Grouse reaches 30 goals for the season as Ashby Ivanhoe make good use of their temporary home
By Josh Kay
25th Feb 2024 | Local News
Ashby Ivanhoe 4 Wisbech Town 1
Ashby Ivanhoe came back from an early deficit to win their second match in a row since their temporary move to Quorn.
They were behind after just six minutes as Wisbech centre forward Andre Williams found the net against them for the second time this season, after scoring on the opening day for Pinchbeck at the NFU Sports Ground.
Williams was the visitors' most potent attacking outlet throughout the game, and he showed his class with an excellent finish into the far corner despite the crowded penalty area.
Ivanhoe pulled themselves back in the match 10 minutes from half-time in the form of their own front man Sam Grouse.
After coming close from distance earlier in the half, he unleashed a curling left footed strike from the edge of the box which nestled into the far corner.
Ivanhoe controlled the game after the equaliser, with this trend continuing after the break.
The only blemish in what was a great spell for the hosts saw Ben Bradshaw forced off with an apparent hip injury. He was replaced by Jack Robinson who deputised superbly.
Their patience paid off just before the hour mark when Will Mansfield found the net with a first-time finish at the near post.
He was picked out well by Harry Stewart, who slotted the ball into the box from the left and put it on a plate.
Ivanhoe almost put the game to bed eight minutes later with a similar move that started on the left and ended up at the feet of Grouse, whose near post finish was saved brilliantly by Dan George who dived low to his left and flicked the ball up and over his own bar.
Perhaps buoyed by their goalkeeper's exploits, Wisbech had a spell of dominance for the next 15 minutes.
In this time, they had two efforts cleared off the line and a huge appeal for a penalty waved away.
Ivanhoe were able to weather the storm and put the game beyond doubt in added time. Once again it was Grouse in the thick of the action, driving into the box and firing into the far corner for his 30th goal of the season.
Somewhat cruelly for Wisbech, who had been the better side in the latter part of the half, the deficit was extended further when Jack Samples scored from close range just a minute later.
Samples had been playing at Quorn before rejoining Ashby in January and the goal was a fitting return to his old stomping ground.
''We stuck to our task, wore them out and were rewarded late in the game. It was a worthy result in the end,'' said manager Andy Gray following the final whistle.
Ivanhoe return to action on Wednesday when they face Sleaford Town for the first time this season. A victory in Lincolnshire would make it three in a row as the season reaches its business end.
New ashby Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: ashby jobs
Share: