Western League Premier Division

Ilfracombe Town 1 Winterbourne United 2

WINTERBOURNE took all three points at Ilfracombe despite finishing the game with nine men.

The ground staff at Ilfracombe Town managed to get the pitch ready for Winterbourne’s visit, although the playing conditions were difficult with the unprecedented rainfall.

With just ten minutes on the clock a red card to Ryan Dunn for violent conduct reduced the visitors to ten men.

Ilfracombe took advantage of the extra man and took the lead with a well worked goal, with Steve Holland finishing the attacking move with a well placed chip over the keeper from 25 yards.

Winterbourne kept working, looking to find an opening, and were rewarded for their endeavours on 40 minutes when a softly hit shot by Alex Monks trickled over the line.

Encouraged by the equaliser, the visitors kept up the pressure and a 30-yard dribble by Ashley Knight ended with a powerful shot past the home keeper to make it 2-1.

The second half saw both teams pressing. There were few clear cut opportunities and the match was spoiled by another sending off for violent conduct, which saw Sam Vile given his marching orders and Winterbourne reduced to nine men.

However, Ilfracombe were unable to make the two-man advantage pay and Winterbourne stuck out to bank all three points.