Walter C Parsons League Cup

Ivybridge Town held their nerve to book a spot in the last four of the league cup with a narrow victory over Launceston on Tuesday night writes Tim Leigh.

With St Austell heavy favourites to claim the league title, the cup presents the Bridgers with their best chance of silverware this season, so this was a massive result for the club.

General manager Brian Howard was pleased with the victory, saying: 'We're de­lighted to get the win. It was a fast, physical game.

'We had to hold on at the end when we had a player sent off for a second yellow card, but I think we just did enough to deserve it.'

The game, played at Erme Valley, started in calamitous fashion for the home side, with Launceston opening their account within five minutes.

Ivybridge, however, soon got on the front foot and enjoyed more attacking possession in the half. They equalised with 25 minutes played when striker Mike Smith stood up a fine ball into the box for Callum Martindale to head home at the far post.

The pitch was a little slow, not surprising after the recent weather, but that didn't stop Ivybridge as they continued to press forward.

They snatched the lead five minutes before the break when player-manager Mark Berry crossed for Steve Sutton to volley home from 10 yards.

The second half was a little bit of a war of attrition, with both 'keepers being forced into good saves but defences otherwise on top. The red card on 85 minutes certainly added to the tension, but Ivy held on to book their place in the semi-finals, due to be played on March 24 or 25, where they will play either Callington Town or holders Plymouth Parkway.

There was less good news in the league, however, as Town suffered their third loss in a row when they lost to Bodmin last Saturday.

Howard, however, refused to be too downbeat, saying: 'It was a little bit disappointing, the last three games have been a little disappointing.

'There was nothing between the two sides really, the only difference was they took their two chances and we didn't take ours.

'The second goal should never have been, I don't think anyone even knew why the free kick was awarded in the first place. We're not far short, we're a very young side.'

Saltash's win against Callington Town saw them steal top spot from Ivybridge, who stay second for the time being.