SDFL premier division Ivybridge reserves 2, Dartmouth AFC 5

Dartmouth AFC claimed their first three points of the season and moved up to third in the Premier Division with an excellent victory over hosts Ivybridge reserves at Erme Valley. This was only the visitors' second game in the new division, but the evidence suggests they are more than capable of adapting to the challenge. A new-look Dartmouth side saw manager Gary Lobb give a debut to centre-back Kurtley Hassall, and there were also starts for recent signings Nicky Moyse and Ollie Woolland in a straight forward 4-4-2 formation. The visitors dictated the early proceedings on a wide Ivybridge pitch, with left midfielder Josh Webber looking particularly threatening. It didn't take long for the deadlock to be broken; the formidable strike partnership of Dan Broadway and Karl Baker combined well with Webber, before some excellent footwork from Baker saw him lash his effort into the top corner to give Dartmouth the lead. Despite this goal, a well-organised Ivybridge outfit began to impose themselves on the game and pin the visitors deeper into their own half. They would have levelled the scores had it not been for a brilliant, last-ditch defensive header from Broadway at the back post. However, the hosts were not to be denied for too long and midway through the half some clever link-up play resulted in the impressive number seven dispatching an effort underneath the despairing Moyse in the Dartmouth goal. An entertaining end-to-end game continued to see chances created at both ends of the pitch, with full-backs Ryan Frost and Richie Baker helping the visitors to take advantage of the pockets of space out on the wings. However, it was Ivybridge who grabbed the next goal of the game to take the lead for the first time in the match. The home striker was initially denied by Moyse, who produced a wonderful reflex save, but the second attempt trickled over the line to frustrate the visitors. That said, Dartmouth responded immediately when good play from Mark Forrester, Webber and Woolland resulted in Broadway firing an excellent shot into the corner of the net, giving the 'keeper absolutely no chance. The half ended all square with all to play for in the second period, and it was the hosts who returned the brighter of the teams. Forrester, Woolland and Freddie Smith in the centre of midfield soon managed to prevent the hosts from controlling the play, ensuring that the visitors were the most likely to grab the all-important fifth goal. The visitors' pressure soon paid off on the hour mark, when a loose ball fell at the feet of Karl Baker, who inevitably swept his volley across the 'keeper and into the net beyond a crowd of defenders. Five minutes later Dartmouth put distance between themselves and Ivybridge; Smith broke up play deep into his own half before feeding the ball to Broadway, who unselfishly laid to Baker to strike in for his hat-trick. The goal of the afternoon came with minutes remaining, the impressive Webber expertly beating his marker with sheer pace before dragging the ball back to the edge of the area for Broadway, who shot with pure power past the helpless home goalkeeper. There was nearly time for Ivybridge to make the scoreline more respectable, but the winger found Moyse in fine form as he turned a goodcurling effort around the post. This proved to be the last action of the game, and the visitors were delighted to return home with a return of four points from their opening two matches. This victory will give Dartmouth confidence of progressing past division two outfit Buckland and Milber in the Herald Cup this weekend; they travel away from home for a 2pm kick-off. Dartmouth reserves edged past division fve Broadmeadow in the first round of the Devon Intermediate Cup. A first-half Rhys Morrallee goal levelled the scores before Ed Armitage poked in from close range with 20 minutes remaining to give the reserves a 2-1 win. They are without a game on Saturday.