Shepton Mallet AFC continued their mini-revival with a well-earned 1-0 victory away at in-form Ivybridge FC, who had entered the game riding high on the back of six consecutive wins. In a tightly contested match, Shepton's defence proved to be the deciding factor, with Man of the Match Monty Burgess delivering an outstanding performance.

Despite an even share of possession throughout the 90 minutes, Shepton's goalkeeper Owen Crawford had little to do, largely thanks to the strength of the defence. Burgess, alongside teammates Harry Rutty, Corey Stock, and Joel Sisson, kept the Ivybridge attack at bay. Early in the match, Burgess made three crucial clearing headers, setting the tone for Shepton's resolute backline.

The first significant chance of the match came in the 10th minute when Crawford's clearance upfield found Cam Allen, whose shot was easily saved by Ivybridge keeper Kane Gregory. Allen missed another opportunity shortly after, firing wide from a free kick, but Shepton's defence remained solid. Ivybridge's Owen Pritchard tested Crawford with a rare chance, but the keeper was able to smother the rebound after palming away the initial shot.

Shepton created several chances towards the end of the first half, with Jake Sloggett coming close on multiple occasions. His best opportunity came after a long pass from Josh Jenkins put him through on goal, but after a 40-yard run, Sloggett's shot went straight at Gregory, leaving the match goalless at the break.

In the second half, Shepton continued to press. Benjamin Jr Mwaruwari set up a curling shot from Sisson, which was tipped away by Gregory. Benjani Mwaruwari also saw a shot blocked after beating two defenders, while Allen fired the loose ball over the bar.

Ivybridge enjoyed a period of pressure around the hour mark, earning three corners in quick succession, but Burgess and Rutty stood firm to keep the home side out. As the clock ticked down, Shepton began to regain control, with Benjani firing a 20-yard effort over the bar.

The breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute when Sisson met Allen's free-kick with a header that looped across goal and into the bottom corner. Shepton kept up the pressure, and Sisson and Dylan Gould forced further saves from Gregory, but the 1-0 lead held firm.

There was a late scare for Shepton when Ivybridge substitute Connor Rush found himself unmarked just a few yards from goal, but his header bounced over the bar, much to the relief of the visitors.

Shepton Mallet deservedly took all three points, with Burgess and Stock delivering standout performances in a strong all-around team effort.

Attendance: 107

Upcoming fixtures:

• Bridgwater United – Tuesday, 17th September, KO 7.45pm (away)
• Saltash United – Saturday, 21st September, KO 3.00pm (home)
• Street FC – Tuesday, 24th September, KO 7.45pm (away)

Don't forget to support the Mallet in their upcoming matches!