ARON Chapman denied new-boys Ivy FC a double winning debut season after inspiring Burnley Athletic to victory.

Ivy, who had stepped out of the Blakcburn Combination to win the Division Two title at the first time of asking were hoping to put the icing on the cake of a memorable season but Chapman had other ideas.

The talented forward was the stand-out attacking threat on the pitch – Ivy centre back Kevin Rigby deserved the accolade of the best defender – and he scored Athletic’s all-important second goal.

For him, it was his own personal icing on the cake as he had already turned in a match-of-the-match performance before his goal 15 minutes from time.

Whether he was the focal point of the attack or dropping deep and bringing in others, Chapman was a real livewire.

Unfortunately, for Ivy they never really got going but showed the mark of champions by refusing to give in. And they so nearly forced extra time in a grandstand finish following Shaun Watson’s header a few minutes from time.

Until then, Athletic were good value for their two-goal lead – Alex Hobson thumping in a header from Kieron Carroll’s corner before Carroll had a hand Chapman’s second, struck early from the edge of the area that possibly caught Ivy keeper Mick Taylor off-guard.

Ivy worked hard but unable to find that spark. The normally mercurial Mercer was snuffed out in the midfield battle where Athletic skipper Marc Beckett was top dog.

Athletic had the upperhand in a first half of few chances.

Ivy, playing down the slope in the second half must have thought their chance was to come.

But it was Athletic who had the better start to the second half – Ivy captain Scott Kelly making an important tackle to foil Danny Benson then Taylor brilliantly tipping over dipping Carroll free kick – and they built on that momentum.

Chapman, as always was involved in the build-up to the opening goal, his excellent flick releasing Adam Tibbs who forced a fine save out of Taylor at his near post.

But from the resulting corner, Hobson rose highest to head home Carroll’s centre.

Chapman then nearly grabbed a second, beating the advancing Taylor to the ball but the danger was cleared.

Ivy then had their best spell, but crucially, it came to nothing.

Chris Gallagher’s clever shot on the spin was deflected wide, Louis Kaczaslski blasted a free kick over the bar then a rapid breakaway from Watson, Gary Smith and sub Danny Stafford petted out.

And they paid the price when Athletic demonstrated the art of the counter attack, Chapman and Carroll exchanging slick passes before Chapman’s early shot beat Taylor at his near post.

In reply, Smith saw his header punched clear by Damien Ellison but Athletic nearly grabbed a third when a surging run by sub Rick Davies ended with a drilled shot just over the bar.

But then, almost out of nowhere Mercer gave Ivy a lifeline, rising to head home Graeme Anderson’s free kick, and they grabbed it with both hands.

Athletic were edgy and Ivy sensed it. Rigby, immense in the heart of the Ivy defence, was now pushed forward and saw one header deflected over the bar then was inches away from connecting with Ryan Casey’s goalbound effort.

It was a frantic finale but Athletic’s endeavour for 85 minutes. made sure there was to be no double delight for Ivy.