Plymouth and district league
Okehampton ladies' seconds 1
Plymouth University ladies seconds 0
OKEHAMPTON Ladies' seconds played their first home match on the new all-weather pitch on Sunday.
The Oke team took control in the early stages of the match with centre forward Eve Colton putting the University defence under pressure. However, despite creating some goal scoring chances the Oke attack could not convert these chances into goals.
The university team grew in confidence as the first half progressed forcing Oke midfield players Sophie Whiteley and Sarah Jones to chase and intercept the ball. Always looking dangerous on the break, the visitors used their speed and sharp passing to open up the Oke defence and give them some dangerous shots on goal. Oke keeper Jo Moppett was on top form, not only stopping some sizzling shots but clearing them out wide to keep her team in the match.
In the second half both teams were determined to get their names on the score sheet. Despite sustaining injuries to both knees Nat Dennis combined well with Brieze Read on the right side of the pitch to close down the away attack and feed right wing Sophie Cunnington with quality ball.
Plymouth used their fast, skillful right wing to penetrate the Oke defense. Oke's young left half Rachel Laidlaw rose to the occasion covering and shadowing this player, working with her full back Netty Collett to thwart any goal scoring chances.
Oke's chance to take the lead came when attacker Amanda Sim ran into space to pick up a long ball cleared from the Oke circle. She controlled the ball at pace, dodged around the University defender to get a shot on goal; the keeper was quick to save but Sim pounced on the rebound to slot the rebound into the university net. The visitors piled on the pressure during the last 10 minutes but excellent defending and strong clearances from Oke denied the equaliser.
Oke players of the match went jointly to Rachel Laidlaw and Brieze Read.