24/09/2026
MATCHWEEK 2 - 19/09/26 v Barton Rovers Raiders
This week saw us ravaged with injuries and illness, and we turned up on matchday with 9 players, one of which could hardly walk. We knew the challenge ahead of us was immense, but we agreed to face it at as a team and leave it all out there on the grass.
We started superbly, with Seb playing in a new role as a lone striker for the first time in the hope that his pace would get him chances in behind. Within 2 minutes it paid off, and Seb was off the mark cutting in from the left and striking sweetly into the bottom corner.
No more than 2 minutes later and Seb had his second, after a smart pass from Oliver, he rifled a left footed volley from range that looped over the keeper and into the net. 2 nil up in 5 minutes and looking good.
Then you could start to see the disadvantage of playing without subs and full fitness. Before half time we conceded 3 goals that probably would not have been on our day, and we went into the break 3-2 down despite having a lot of the play.
You could see the lads were hurting, but we just encouraged and asked them to keep going to see what they could get. Shortly after the break we conceded another to make it 4-2.
However, we didn’t give up and showed grit and determination to get back in the game. Some strong running from Archie won a freekick around the right hand side of the box. Oliver stepped up to strike it at goal, hitting the bar which rebounded to Archie who neatly clipped away a volley into the roof of the net to get his reward for his running, and the score was 4-3 with us back in the game.
Ultimately, we just didn’t have the energy to push on again and we conceded another goal late on which to be fair was worthy of being a match winner, and the game finished 5-3.
The strength of character today is what shone brightest, and I am sure with a full strength side the result would have been different.
SCORE: Ashby Ivanhoe Spartans 3 v 5 Barton Rovers Raiders
GOALS: Seb x 2, Archie
ASSISTS: Oliver x 2
MOM: Eden - the skipper had a tough job in the middle of the park today, with lads falling apart with knocks and bruises around him. He stood tall, battled for everything, ran his socks off and continued to try and pick the lads up when they were struggling.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Forever Mobility and Coffee Shop
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Coalville Chiropractor
Cinders and Ashes
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Aurora Café
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