SDFL Premier Division

Ivybridge Res 1,

After the previous week's debacle against Bovey Tracey Reserves, Ivybridge came up against an East Allington side who, after promotion to the Premier Division this ­season, had only been beaten once in 11 league outings.

The Ivies started the game in dominant fashion and controlled the lion's share of possession, with the enigmatic George Rayfield-North troubling the East Allington defence constantly with his wing play.

Chances on target were at a premium at both ends as

the visitors failed to break through the defence of Weeks, Summers, Hatfield and Barnard, while the home side had chances going agonisingly wide from Smallridge and Jon McClements.

With 10 minutes of the first half remaining, Ivybridge thought they had taken the lead their first-half endeavour deserved when McClements scored after the ball cannoned off the East Allington defender into his path, and although he slotted home he was wrongly given offside.

The second half started in the same fashion: the home side were dogged in the ­tackle and first to every ball, with the midfield of Hayman, Si McClements, Jon McClements and Pillar working tirelessly for the cause.

The Ivies were then denied what seemed to be a stonewall penalty as Si McClements was brought down in the box, only for the referee to dismiss the home side's pleas.

The deadlock was finally broken 15 minutes from the end, as after being awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal Jon McClements' rasping drive was palmed out by the 'keeper, only for the onrushing Chris Smallridge to place the ball into the net.

The Ivies then managed to see the game out in what was to date their best performance of the season.

the man of the match was Phil Hatfield.

Next week the reserves are away to Upton Athletic.