Stapenhill 2 Ashby Ivanhoe 1

Ashby fell to defeat at the hands of Stapenhill on a day in which Ash Garner and George Teeney returned to their former club.

Garner has been an ever present in Andy Gray's line-up this campaign, a stark contrast to Teeney who made his debut today against a side who he played for a final time last Saturday.

In no mood for a warm reunion, the hosts flew out of the blocks and took the lead after just six minutes through Ben Novis.

Ivanhoe kept a high line despite playing up hill in the first half and were punished as Novis broke through and fired into the corner, past a helpless Tommy Dyche.

A shellshocked Ashby found themselves two goals down ten minutes later. A Stapenhill corner was poorly dealt with and as the ball fell at the feet of Alex Weir, he smashed home.

Ivanhoe looked to get back into the game before the break but were thwarted on a number of occasions by the Stapenhill goalkeeper, who denied Sam Grouse one on one, and at his near post.

On his return to Maple Grove, Garner was arguably the visitors' best player, and gave Ashby hope midway through the second half with a sharp strike across the goalkeeper.

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Teeney, who cut a frustrated figure for much of the match, did well to dance into the box and force a poor clearance which fell to Garner's feet, the midfielder producing a fantastic finish.

He could have doubled his tally and levelled the game from a similar angle later in the half, however as his strike beat the stranded goalkeeper, it smacked against the post, cruelly denying him a dream return to his former club.

The hosts were able to see out the match, not least without the help from some gamesmanship from their players, frustrating Ivanhoe as the clock ticked down.

Ashby look to bounce back next week as they host struggling Cradley Town.

A positive result could still see them climb into the top two after results elsewhere this weekend.