Ibis completed a fine double over a strong Heathwaite team at the weekend, in a match played on a very heavy Rayrigg Meadow pitch, winning by 2 goals to 1. Strikes from Josh Phizacklea and Josh Ford sealed an important and well deserved victory.

Late withdrawals meant Ibis only had 11 players, some of which had played the previous day and some were carrying injuries. However, with all the odds stacked against them and with a full strength Heathwaite seeking revenge from an earlier 3-2 defeat, it was Ibis that looked the stronger team, especially in the first half and indeed the away team had all the best chances, with Josh Ford hitting the bar with a powerful header and Josh Phizacklea being particularly profligate in front of goal.

Goalless at half time, it was the away team who took the lead after 62 minutes, Ford feeding Phizacklea with a great through ball and Phizacklea scoring comfortably. As Ibis began to tire, sustained pressure from the home side eventually paid off, Rudi Coleman being particularly influential for the home side and they deservedly equalised after 70 minutes.

However, Ibis weren’t finished and they got their second wind and scored a superb winner through Ford with a superb chip over the keeper, following a great pass from Phizacklea after 77 minutes..

That was the end of the scoring with the last 10 minutes or so being even, although Heathwaite wasted a great chance to equalise when they were gifted a free kick moving into injury time just inches outside the penalty area.

So, a great result and a great performance and Ibis go into their next match away at Dalton in great heart.