Shepton Mallet were left to rue a missed first-half penalty as Ivybridge stole the points with a second-half tap-in.

In front of 139 supporters, Shepton made the brighter start. Ivybridge rattled the post early through Ryan Smith, but debutant Jake Andrews twice tested visiting keeper Jason Peters soon after — one under-hit effort and then a powerful free kick that drew a strong save.

On the half-hour Lewis Coleman was tripped in the box to give Shepton a golden chance from the spot. Usually reliable, Jake Sloggett saw his penalty drift wide, denying Mallet the lead their play had deserved.

Defensively, Shepton stayed solid. A rare slip at the back was tidied up by an excellent Ashton Shanley tackle, while Andrews went close again with a header before the break.

After half-time Peters was kept busy by more Shepton pressure, saving well from both Sloggett and Andrews. But Ivybridge grew into the half and grabbed the decisive goal on 64 minutes, Josh Johnson turning in at the back post.

Keeper Owen Crawford had little to do overall but was sharp late on, pulling off a fine double save to keep Shepton in it. Mallet finished strongly with two late headed chances from corners, but neither could find the target.

Despite the defeat, there were positives across the pitch. Luke Wilkinson and Lewis Coleman impressed, while James Sharkey edged man of the match for an excellent display.

Shepton now look ahead to a big test on Saturday 23rd August, hosting unbeaten Clevedon Town at The Playing Fields (KO 3pm). The U18s begin their pre-season against Wells City on Tuesday, while the Reserves face Radstock Town Reserves away on Wednesday night.