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shby Ivanhoe FC got off to a flying start, with Jordan Wilson scoring after just 19 minutes. Jesse Vowles, the new midfielder, was instrumental in the goal, winning the ball back and setting up Will Robson to find Wilson, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. However, the lead was short-lived, as GNG Oadby equalized later in the first half. Vowles was unfortunate to be involved in the error that led to the goal, but his performance was otherwise outstanding. He was a midfield dynamo, showing tenacity, bravery, and creativity. Despite dominating the game, Ashby couldn't find a winner. They had numerous corner kicks and free kicks, with Jack Henchcliffe's delivery from set pieces causing problems for the opposition. The front two of Wilson and Wyse were impressive, holding up the ball well and creating chances for their teammates. The game became increasingly intense, with some questionable refereeing decisions and a yellow card given in the 84th minute. Despite this, Ashby will be pleased with their progress, especially the impact of their youth players. The team is building momentum ahead of the new season, and the experience gained from these friendly matches will be invaluable. - Leo Bennett
A classic game of two halves was won early by Ivanhoe thanks to a classy finish by fan favourite Will Robson, successfully beating the offside trap and getting onto the end of one of Josh Thomas’ many well whipped crosses into the box. In the first 45, a lot of Ashby’s success came from down the flanks, with Thomas and Kartel O’Neill-Martin getting the better of their respective full-backs consistently. This alongside Robson’s stellar skill and creativity resulted in a lot of free flowing attacking football creating lots of chances for Ivanhoe. With the latter coming extremely close from a free-kick in the 12th minute, amongst an array of close chances including a lovely piece of skill to take on two defenders in one resulting in a well saved strike from outside the box. Considering the majority of the Ashby starting XI being debutants, the cohesion and structure specifically defensively was incredibly impressive, a solid start to pre-season with a clean sheet, with Jay Rabone making some solid saves in the second half. However, the home side were far more prevalent in the second half and epitomised the idiom that there’s no such thing as a friendly, leaving Ivanhoe frustrated with some of the challenges and refereeing decisions, including what looked to be a stone-wall penalty on Robson as he was tripped in the box during the 60th minute. Despite this, Ivanhoe battled hard and earned their victory well, the first under new manager Lee Barratt, who will be happy with the experience gained by young players and new signings who got some important minutes throughout the game. Plenty of positives for Ivanhoe on the whole, and they will be looking to further improve on many positive signs shown during the match when they travel to GNG Oadby Town FC on Tuesday night. Written by Leo Bennett
On behalf of AIFC CIC, the board of Directors and senior management team would like to welcome all from Newark Town together with our own supporters to the NFU Mutual Sports Ground. Since our last update, the ground improvement works have significantly progressed and we would like to take this opportunity to advise you on the progress of each project. Sports pitches, car park and improvements to access The creation of the new junior football pitches has been completed in September and is currently in the maintenance period. Currently, it is planned that the new pitches will be used for the first time at our Junior tournaments planned for June 2025, earlier than anticipated. Works to the car park and new access have been delayed further. As reported in our last update, this is due to subsidence issues with Lower Packington Road adjacent to the current entrance and the club is still waiting for Leicestershire County Council to investigate and confirm liability for any costs associated with any remedials. The club are also pleased to be able to report that new car park lighting will be installed over the coming weeks with monies raised through fund raising initiatives. This will improve the safety of everyone that visits our facilities at night. New clubhouse roof, new changing rooms and perimeter fencing The new perimeter fencing has been installed to two sides of the first team pitch. We are targeting getting the remaining sides installed ready for next season, funds permitting. The construction of the new changing rooms with a completion date planned for the start of the 2025/2026 season. On behalf of AIFC CIC, we would personally like to thank everyone for your support and all of the companies that have supported the ground development plans to date. If you wish to know more about the ground development works or can offer support in anyway, please feel free to find us and ask any questions you may have. Thanks and come on Ashby Ivanhoe. Jon, Neil, Derrick, Mark and Chris AIFC CIC Directors
First of all, on behalf of AIFC CIC, the board of Directors and senior management team would like to welcome all from Harrowby United to the NFU Mutual Sports Ground. This match marks the long awaited return to First Team league football after we have needed to play our home games at Quorn last season and away from home for the start of the 2024/2025 season. Since our last update on the clubs redevelopment plans, events have significantly moved on and we would like to take this opportunity to update you on the progress of the two current planning applications. Planning application – 22/01811/FULM – Sports pitches, car park and improvements to access Following the lengthy planning process, we are pleased to announce that the creation of the new junior football pitches commenced at the end of August and were completed within a 3 week period. The grass is beginning to grow and it is planned that the new pitches will be ready for the summer of 2026. Works to the car park and new access have been delayed. This is due to subsidence issues with Lower Packington Road adjacent to the current entrance and the club is waiting for Leicestershire County Council to investigate and provide a report into the problem as necessary. Planning application – 22/01811/FULM – New clubhouse roof, new changing rooms, extension to covered seating area and new hardstanding. Ground grading works are complete and you now have the ability to be able to stand behind the far goal supporting the team. A new walkway behind the ‘shed end drinkers’ stand has been created together with additional seats to the David Morris stand. Additional perimeter fencing which will separate the main first team pitch from the adjacent pitches/training areas is to be installed in the coming weeks. The construction of the new changing rooms has commenced and the creation of this will massively improve the facilities at our ground. Subject to additional funding becoming available, the intention is for the changing rooms to be completed by the end of 2024. On behalf of AIFC CIC, we would personally like to thank everyone for your support during the planning application process together with all of the companies that have supported the ground development plans to date. We will continue with our plans to create a facility that we all can be proud of. Off the field, we are pleased to announce that in the summer, Mark Scrivener and Chris Palmer joined the CIC structure, becoming Non-Executive Directors to support the current Directors, their addition will be very beneficial for the development of the club off the field. If you wish to know more about the ground development works, please feel free to find us and ask any questions you may have. Thanks and come on Ashby Ivanhoe Jon, Neil and Derrick AIFC CIC Directors
