Ashby Ivanhoe 1-2 Boston Town

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.









