Our opponents play in the Premier Division East of the re-shaped South West Peninsula League, the same Step 6 level as ourselves and are currently occupying a mid table position. On a decent afternoon for football we found a pitch in good condition and were well received by the home officials.

With two suspensions and injuries and other players unavailable we were only able to muster the bare 11 players to make the trip. In front of captain for the day, keeper Chris Manns, the line-up was Daniel Reading, Kai Long, Reece John, Frankie Carr, Kieran Ireland, Sam Downes, new signing George Snowden, Oakley Rawlings, Dave English and Dzhosh Islyan.

From the outset it was apparent that the teams were evenly matched, the play flowing end to end with neither side able to create a clear cut chance.

Half Time Ivybridge Town 0 Bishop Sutton 0

Our goal came two minutes into the second half, a long Manns goalkick was picked up by Islyan who controlled the ball well and shot accurately into the bottom left corner. On 60 minutes, an Ivybridge cross from the left was parried by Manns, the loose ball failed to be cleared and the linesman signalled that it had crossed the line causing the referee to award a goal. The whole crowd doubted the veracity of this, but despite protests the goal stood.

After the game the Ivybridge chairman and secretary who were stood directly behind our goal said that ‘we were robbed’ and that the ball was well short of the line.

Full Time Ivybridge Town 1 Bishop Sutton 1

Ivybridge having played three subs during normal time were now able to play a fourth putting them at a distinct physical advantage. They took the lead in the 96th minute, an attack produced an apparent handball, the resultant penalty being slotted home.

On 105 mins Ivybridge Town 2 Bishop Sutton 1

The final 15 minutes were very difficult for our original 11 players and the play became virtually all one way. Ivybridge added two more goals on 110 and 113 minutes and we were pleased to hear the final whistle.

On 120 mins Ivybridge Town 4 Bishop Sutton 1

Our team of just 11 players produced a magnificent display against a side that we would possibly have more than matched with a full squad and it is disappointing that we had a number of call offs, perhaps deterred by the length of the journey, a whole 102 miles !!

Man of the Match, new signing, youngster Kieran Ireland for an impressive hardworking midfield performance.

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