On the back of two wins on the spin, Paget travelled to Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire to play Ashby Ivanhoe in the Bears’ first league away trip. Ashby drew 2-2 at Chelmsley Town in their first game of the campaign, and went into this game making numerous changes and bringing in many fresh faces from Monday’s game.
Within 15 minutes the Romans were ahead, after forward Sam Grouse was brought down by Paget full-back Jamie Hyland. Grouse made no mistake from the spot, putting the ball into the bottom left corner.
Ten minutes later Paget levelled the scoring; Louie Newbold’s through ball was intercepted, but a mix up between Jake Conkay and goalkeeper Connor Cannon left Rivel Mardenborough free to place the ball into an empty net as the two Ashby players were caught in no man’s land.
Both sides put bodies on the line to block efforts on goal in both halves. On 35 minutes Ivanhoe striker Jordan Wilson turned the Paget defence and played in Grouse who put the ball across Ntiri to make it 2-1.
Play was halted on the stroke of half time when Sam Hankin landed on his neck. We wish Sam well and hope he makes a speedy recovery.
The conditions improved after an hour, with the rain making the game difficult for the two Midland Football League Division One sides.
68 minutes in and Ashby were 3-1 up after Jordan Wilson waltzed through the Bears and placed the ball under the onrushing Ben Ntiri between the Rangers sticks.
The game was put to bed five minutes from time when Ashby were awarded a dubious penalty. Sam Grouse stepped up and scored for his hat trick.
Paget had a late surge of chances and forced Connor Cannon into numerous saves. Ashby had the pick of the chances throughout though and were clinical in front of goal.
Paget now face Wolverhampton Sporting Community at Coles Lane next Saturday 21st August, 3pm kick off. Steve Walker will have his players in for training and it’ll be back to the drawing board for the Bears, who have a lot to learn from Saturday afternoon’s game.