Ivybridge United beat Stratford Town 3:1 in the FA Trophy final on 26 September 2026. The match took place at 14:00 local time and decided the tournament for this season. The hosts held the trophy after a full ninety minutes.
Recent form pointed to different directions. Ivybridge United had lost 0:3 to Redditch United on 19 September but bounced back with a 3:0 win over Belper Town five days later. Stratford Town came off a 1:2 defeat to Worcester City on 18 September, though they had beaten Alfreton Town 2:0 on 5 September.
The final scoreline told a clear story, even without minute-by-minute detail. Ivybridge United found their rhythm at the right moment, and that was enough. Stratford Town could not answer back once the hosts took control. And here's the thing — finals are rarely decided by possession or shots. They are decided by who steps up when it matters.
Both sides had mixed results in their previous outings. Ivybridge United drew 1:1 with Bishop's Cleeve on 31 July before losing 0:3 to Cheltenham on 18 July. Stratford Town's record was sharper in the summer, beating Brackley Town 1:0 on 21 July before a heavy 0:5 loss to Kidderminster Harriers on 25 July.
The victory moves Ivybridge United into a different space in English football. A trophy is not just silverware — it is recognition, and that carries weight. Stratford Town will need to regroup, but the final whistle had already blown. By then, the result was set.
