Ivybridge Town topple Torpoint in FA Cup clash

IVYBRIDGE Town completed a 4-0 home win against local rivals Torpoint Athletic in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup at Erme Valley on Saturday (Aug 8), writes Graham Hambly.

They scored two goals in each half to book their place in the Preliminary Round of the competition in which they will be away to Tiverton Town on Saturday, August 22.

Striker Josh Johnson played a key role in the Ivybridge victory, scoring two goals and creating another.

He opened the scoring with an accurate shot in the eighth minute and was prominent in the build-up which saw Owen Howard add a second in the 29th minute.

The second half saw Ivybridge secure their progress in the competition with two further goals. Winger Colin Pritchard scored his third goal in three games when he cashed in on a defensive error by Torpoint in the 64th minute and Johnson drove home his second goal of the game in the 73rd minute.

Ivybridge achieved their third win in five games despite continuing injury worries. They went into the game without central defender Dan Vile and finished the afternoon with Pritchard filling in at full back after Jake Lane’s return to the starting line-up ended when he went off in the 72nd minute.

Ivybridge joint managers Ben Washam and Brad Gargett were encouraged to see their side keep a first clean sheet of the season despite the injuries.

Although beating Brixham AFC 4-3 recently, Ivybridge conceded two goals in stoppage time and Gargett said: “It was disappointing the way we conceded those goals, but we have a young team, and the Brixham game was a lesson for us.

“We deserved the clean sheet today, especially as we ended with our winger playing at right back.”

There was also praise for striker Johnson, who was involved in three of the goals against Torpoint, showing great mental strength after having a stoppage time penalty saved in the 1-1 draw against Saltash four days earlier.

Regarding the latest injury situation, Vile has bruised ribs and was replaced by Ryan Geach, who had an impressive game in the middle of the back four alongside Nick Salop. Lane was taken off as a precaution as he returns to full fitness.

Washam said: “There is depth in the squad and a real feeling of togetherness.”

Ivybridge will complete a run of five successive home games with another knock-out fixture when they host Teignmouth AFC in the first round qualifying of the FA Vase at Erme Valley on Saturday (Aug 15). The reward for the winners will be a home tie against Callington or Tavistock in the second round qualifying on Saturday, September 12.

Ivybridge won 2-1 at home to Teignmouth when the sides met in a pre-season friendly and Teignmouth drew 2-2 at home to Torridgeside in their opening South West Peninsula League match on Saturday, but Gargett warns: “We will need to be at our best against them.”

Elsewhere in the FA Cup this weekend, South Devon duo Buckland Athletic and Bovey Tracey AFC shipped nine goals between them against Barnstaple Town and Exmouth Town respectively, whereas Bridgwater United, Brixham, Street FC and Brislington have all booked their spots in the next round.