Saltash United’s hopes of winning the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League title are still alive after a hard-fought victory over Ivybridge at Kimberley Stadium tonight.
Two goals in two minutes midway through the second half from striker Sam Hughes turned the game on its head after Ryan Lucassi had given Ivybridge a 26th minute lead.
And although the Ashes missed a number of golden opportunities in the last 20 minutes, they held on for three points which moved them above Bodmin Town into second place.
Saltash (played 37, points 87) are now two points behind leaders Tavistock (p 36, pts 89), who are at home to Bodmin (p 36, pts 86) tomorrow evening.
If Tavistock win, they will be crowned champions. If they draw, that would realistically end Saltash’s hopes because the Devon side’s goal difference is superior by 13 goals.
If Tavistock lose, that would leave them (away to Plymouth Parkway) and Bodmin (home to Witheridge) going into their final fixtures on Friday needing something, or Saltash could have an opportunity in their final game on Saturday (home to Falmouth) to become champions.
Saltash: R Rickard, L Edwards, C Hall, C O’Brien, C Menhenick, L Russell, H Wilson (D Trott 60), S Farrant, S Hughes, R Richards (S Stevens 74), R Maddison (L Avis-Riordan 74). Subs not used: S Sargison, S Leary.
Goals: S Hughes (63 & 64).
Yellow cards: C Menhenick (49), R Richards (68).
Ivybridge: B Shields, S Marker, J Hayes, T Hanrahan, J Truelove, D Youldon, J Rowe, R Lucassi, S Sutton, S Pocock, N Aplin. Subs: H Harrison, D Tecza, R McCormack.
Goal: R Lucassi (26).
Yellow cards: T Hanrahan (30), J Truelove (87).
Referee: James Strout.
Attendance: 83.
Cornish Times Man of the Match: Sam Hughes.