Ashby Ivanhoe complete promotion and cup double with decisive victory over Lutterworth

By Josh Kay

17th May 2023 | Local News

Action from Ashby Ivanhoe's Leicestershire Senior Cup win over Lutterworth on Tuesday night
Action from Ashby Ivanhoe's Leicestershire Senior Cup win over Lutterworth on Tuesday night

Ashby Ivanhoe 3 Lutterworth Athletic 1

Ashby Ivanhoe rounded off their 75th anniversary season in style, defeating Lutterworth Athletic 3-1 in the Leicestershire Senior Cup Final.

It was the club's second triumph in as many weeks after their Playoff Final success, however yesterday's (Tuesday) victory came in far less dramatic circumstances.

Ivanhoe started strongly and despite failing to link up in the final third, spent much of the first period in the Lutterworth half.

Their closest opportunity fell to Joe Neal, who found space at the back post from a free kick and fired his shot narrowly wide.

But Will Robson gave Ivanhoe a deserved lead shortly before the half hour mark.

Picking up on a loose pass just inside the box, he drove a shot straight at George Warren, who fumbled what should have been a simple save into his own net.

Despite coming in fortuitous circumstances, the goal reflected a dominant Ivanhoe half. Looking quicker, fitter and more physical than their opponents, it was only a lack of cohesion in the final third which meant the game was not put to bed before the break.

As is often the case in football, Ashby were punished for not turning their dominance into goals.

A poor back pass from Sam Grouse presented Jake Smith with a chance to equalise. Smith took the ball past Tommy Dyche and slid the ball into the empty net, equalising with his side's most clear cut chance.

The game was played in a similar manner following the goal. Ivanhoe looked the more threatening side but struggled to test Warren.

The usually prolific Danny Quinn and Grouse could not link up and often looked like they were not on the same page. Similarly, to the first half however, Ivanhoe were gifted the chance to take the lead.

This time however, it took a piece of individual brilliance to take advantage of a defensive mistake. A poor clearance from Warren was picked up by Liam Donaghy near the centre circle.

Seeing the goalkeeper off his line, Donaghy fired the ball first time, catching him out and looping it over his head.

Donaghy has played a pivotal role in recent weeks and the goal reflected his fantastic end to the season.

Following the goal, Ivanhoe brought on George Teeney to play alongside Grouse. Teeney played an important role in the Semi-Final victory over Birstall and changed the game after coming on.

He had been on the pitch a matter of minutes when he ran in on goal, taking the ball around Warren and putting the game out of sight.

Teeney has scored three times in four matches in this competition, arguably being Ivanhoe's player of the tournament.

He could have added to that tally but was adjudged to have been offside when following in on a spilled shot. This proved insignificant though, and Ashby were able to see out the match to complete a promotion and cup double.

The day after discovering that they will be playing in the United Counties Premier North next season, Andy Gray's side sent out a message to next season's opponents that they will be a force to be reckoned with.

     

New ashby Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: ashby jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Andrew Bridgen (inset) has taken legal action against Matt Hancock. Photos: Dreamstime.com/YouTube
Local News

Ashby MP launches new crowdfunding appeal after being ordered to pay over £40,000 to Matt Hancock

Lidl wants to demolish the Ashfield House building in Ashby. Photo: Ashby Nub News
Local News

Agent says Lidl was the only business to make a firm offer for Ashfield House site in Ashby

WIN A £25 AMAZON VOUCHER!!!

To enter just subscribe to our FREE Stockport NubNews Newsletter.
Every subscriber will be automatically entered into our competition.
Deadline 31 March 2024.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Competition terms and conditions.