Street maintained their play-off challenge with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ivybridge Town in a Western League Premier Division clash at the Tannery Ground on Saturday. The game, billed as the match of the day, featured two red cards and two contentious penalty decisions. writes Alan Cooper

Street started quickly, looking to bounce back from a disappointing late equaliser at Wellington and a narrow loss to Bridgwater. Jake Dickens dominated midfield early on, delivering pinpoint through balls for Toby Stephens and Josh Radford to create pressure on the Ivybridge defence. The match took a dramatic turn early when Radford was fouled by Sam Hillson, who was promptly shown a red card. Despite being a man down, Ivybridge responded with a stunning goal in the 15th minute. Oliver Aplin weaved through two challenges before scoring a powerful shot past Lewis Williams.

Street equalised almost immediately. A contentious penalty shout was waved away, but the hosts won a free kick, which Dickens and Radford combined to deliver perfectly, allowing Callum Laird to score from close range. Just a minute later, Street took the lead through Jordan Ewing’s clinical finish off a long ball from Jake Horsey. Ivybridge remained dangerous despite being reduced to ten men, with Rhys McShane and Jacob Smelt testing Williams.

The second half lacked the intensity of the first, with both teams hindered by the heavy pitch. Street lost substitute Lewis Morgan to a red card for a foul on Rio Daly, but the hosts held on for a 2-1 victory, despite late chances from Ewing and Stephens. The win kept Street’s play-off hopes alive.