Match Report  |  Ashby Ivanhoe vs Gresley Rovers

Alfie Burley

Gresley Rovers sealed their first victory of pre-season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ashby Ivanhoe.

A much-changed Rovers side to the one that drew 1-1 with Hinckley on Saturday, came out on top against Ashby thanks to goals from David Kolodynski and Liam Kavanagh.

Kolodynski’s chipped effort was his first since joining the club, and the lively winger also won the penalty which Kavanagh dispatched in the second period to wrap up the win for his side.

The forward, however, had quite a frustrating start to the match, missing a golden opportunity to open the scoring. A good touch from Karcel O’Neil-Martin set Junior Smikle away down the right-hand side, and the full-back made no mistake with his cross, expertly picking out Kolodynski. Yet, the winger couldn’t sort his feet out, leaving him unable to apply the simple finish.

Rovers were nearly made to pay for the miss when debutant goalkeeper, Harvey Adams was caught in possession by the Ashby striker. He did, however, manage to recover, sliding in to deny the forward an open goal.

Kolodysnki would claim his redemption after 37 minutes, just as Ashby had a goal ruled out by the offside flag. A great dink over the top of the Ivanhoe defence from Danny Munday found the winger who showed composure in chipping the home side’s ‘keeper and opening the scoring.

After scoring just before the break, Rovers made changes in the second half, and they immediately made an impact, Ryan King in particular proving lively on the wing. The substitute nearly doubled the lead for Carl Abbott’s side when he outfoxed his marker to lash an effort over the crossbar.

At the other end, meanwhile, the away side had really tightened up in defence, controlling the game very well and denying Ashby any space around the box after a few mistakes could’ve been punished in the opening period.

In fact, it would be a mistake from the home side’s defence which would present the Moatmen with the chance to double their lead.

After being gifted possession on the edge of the box, Lucas Harrison slid the ball through to Kolodynski, who after touching the ball past the ‘keeper, went down under the challenge. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Substitute, Liam Kavanagh stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to double Rovers lead and give Carl Abbot’s side some breathing room.

Ivanhoe, however, did not give up their pursuit for a way back into the game, with their number 10 causing problems for the Gresley backline. The forward could only shoot into the side netting, before a brilliant challenge from Jake McIntosh took the ball away from him just as he was about to shoot. His subsequent penalty appeals fell on deaf ears.

Ultimately, however, Gresley were comfortable in their victory, cruising to a first pre-season victory with Kolodynski at the heart of it. Next, they welcome Cradley Town to the Moat Ground as they search for a second successive win in their pre-season schedule.