Ashby Ivanhoe 0-4 Coton Green

Ten-man Ashby were comfortably swept aside at the NFU Sports Ground after Sam Grouse's early red card.

Ivanhoe's top goal scorer saw red for a challenge off the ball where he appeared to stand on the defender after the whistle was blown.

In the 20 minutes after the red card, Coton Green saw much of the possession without threatening Ashby's goal.

Their chance would come less than ten minutes before the break however when Matty Gardner turned home a low corner amidst a crowded penalty area.

Not looking to settle on their lead, new signing Lewis Hayden doubled the lead when his swerving long-range effort forced a save out of Tommy Dyche, who failed to stop the ball crossing the line after parrying it up in the air.

Ivanhoe looked shellshocked, and the halftime break would have provided a much-needed respite for the ten men.

Unfortunately for Andy Gray's side, a ruthless Coton Green refused to let up the pressure and Gardner added his second after running onto a quickly taken throw in.

After the break, Ashby looked rejuvenated and played with high energy.

Despite this they were powerless to stop Gardner's hat-trick five minutes into the half.

Corey Powell was allowed space on the right side and cut the ball back to Gardner, who slammed the finish into the bottom left corner.

The match was a scrappy affair after the goal with neither team looking threatening for the final 40 minutes of the game as Ashby suffered their first defeat of the season.

Andy Gray was reluctant to criticise his side given the circumstances, crediting his players for maintaining their high energy levels, even when the result was no longer in the balance.

With heavy challenges going in from both sides, the re-match next month will surely be an equally fiery encounter.