Ashby Ivanhoe progress to the next round of the League Cup after an impressive win on the road. Ashby Ivanhoe booked their place in the next round of the cup with a 3–1 victory away at West Bridgford on Saturday, in a performance full of energy, discipline, and clinical finishing. After a fairly even opening to the game, the breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when in-form forward Rumai Johnson, who has continued to shine following a standout debut against Belper, latched onto a chance inside the box and finished smartly to give Ivanhoe the lead. Just before the interval, Ashby doubled their advantage in spectacular fashion. Ellis Edwards broke up play from the back line superbly before sliding the ball to Will Robson, who took one look at goal from 30 yards and unleashed a thumping strike into the back of the net. Johnson struck again early in the second half to make it 3–0, but West Bridgford responded well and pulled a goal back on the hour mark to reduce the deficit. The home side looked to build momentum after scoring, though the game evened out in the closing stages with chances at both ends. There were strong individual displays across the pitch, with veteran centre-half Henry Eze commanding at the back, Will Robson impressing with both work rate and flair in midfield, and two-goal hero Rumai Johnson continuing his fine form. In the end it was Ellis Edwards who earned the fans’ Player of the Match vote, rewarded for his tireless defensive work and vital role in the second goal. Ashby march on, full of confidence and momentum, with their supporters treated to a performance full of commitment and quality. The travelling Ashby fans made themselves heard throughout, providing fantastic backing on the road. Next up for Ashby Ivanhoe is an away clash on Saturday against top of the table side, Kimberley Miners Welfare, as Lee’s lads look to continue to build momentum. Author: Callum McKindley

An improved and spirited Ashby display went unrewarded at Sign Right Park, as the hosts Melton Town held on to win a thriller. Melton hit Ashby with a rapid onslaught from the first whistle, scoring in the 5 th and 7 th minute through two clinical finishes capitalising on a freshly put together Ashby defence which wasn’t allowed anytime to gel in the early stages. Despite the potentially startling first ten minutes, Ashby bounced back brilliantly, showing signs of incredible resilience and perseverance, two elements that will be key to them turning around their start of the season fortunes and fighting their way back up the league table. Ashby’s determination to get back into the game was rewarded in the 27 th minute through a lovely piece of link up play on the edge of the box between Jordan Edwards and Will Robson, in which a one-two round the corner left Robson one-on-one with the Melton goalkeeper where he finished calmly into the bottom right corner to give Ashby a fighting chance to come back. Ashby’s well deserved goal gave The Knights a spring in their step heading into the break which also followed into the beginning of the second half, resulting in an array of chances that on another day could’ve been put away. A couple fell to Kartel O’Neill-Martin who was really unlucky not to score in the 49 th minute through a whipped effort from outside the box that was sensationally tipped around the post. Despite all the pressure, Ashby were pegged back to a two goal deficit against the run of play in the 57 th minute as a result of a scramble in the six yard box which ended with a scuffed shot bouncing up into the roof of the net, reinforcing that the rub of the green just wasn’t with Ivanhoe on the day. Just over ten minutes later, Ashby were given a lifeline through goalkeeper Alex Graham who brilliantly prevented the hosts going 4-1 up from the spot. One of a selection of key moments from the number one which kept Ashby within reach of Melton. As the game progressed, Ashby kept chipping away whilst substitutes impressed on the whole, who stretched the opponent’s defence at times. Eventually Ashby got another goal, an incredible one at that and a potential goal of the season contender by Roman Watson- Quilter who’s thunderbolt was fired into the top left corner from outside the box, rounding off a man of the match performance from the new right back. But sadly, it was too little too late in the 95 th minute for Ivanhoe who couldn’t find an equaliser despite their very best efforts. Positives to take and a performance that certainly puts the team on an uphill trajectory going into the bank holiday weekend in which Ivanhoe host both Heanor Town and Clay Cross Town at the Element Ground on Saturday and Monday respectively, both kicking off at 3pm. Author: Leo Bennett

Ashby’s home fixture against Boston Town started with early controversy as, in just the second minute, the visitors were awarded a penalty. Harley Kozluk was judged to have upended a Boston player just inside the area while attempting to clear the ball — a marginal decision. The visitors were denied the lead, however, when Alex Graham dived low to his left to pull off a superb save. The hosts struggled to get a foothold early on, with their only notable chance coming from a corner when Louis Anthony rose highest, only to see his header saved. Graham was again called into action on 27 minutes, producing a stunning double save to keep Boston at bay. Ashby began to settle, and two minutes later took the lead. Sam Birks picked up the ball midway inside the Boston half, spotted keeper Portas off his line, and unleashed a superb 30-yard lob that sailed into the net. Birks was close to doubling the advantage shortly afterwards, forcing another save, before Ivanhoe were left frustrated when a strong penalty appeal was waved away after Will Robson appeared to be tripped in the box. Graham ensured the hosts went into half-time in front with another key save just before the break. Boston struck back almost immediately after the restart, with Zac Munton finishing from close range to level the scores. Tyler Smith had a great chance to restore the lead on 65 minutes but saw his shot saved, and two minutes later the match swung in Boston’s favour. Graham was adjudged to have bundled over Matt Cotton while clearing the ball, and the referee again pointed to the spot. This time, Alex Limb converted to make it 1–2. Ivanhoe pushed hard for an equaliser in the final stages, with manager Lee Barratt making several attacking changes, even sending centre-back Louis Anthony forward. Their best opportunity came late on when Taylor Wyse met a cross inside the six-yard box, but he couldn’t get a clean connection and his effort bounced tamely into the keeper’s hands. Next up for Ivanhoe is an away trip to Melton on Saturday.