Okehampton 2
Ashmoor A 1
OKEHAMPTON needed a victory to keep second place Yeovil and Sherbourne A off their tail and keep their chances in for a league title.
The game erupted quickly, both teams eager to create innovative attacks. Oke were working well with effective passing moves flowing superbly between forwards Chris Luxton and Mark Parsons. Ashmoor defended well at the back, breaking down the darting runs of Simon Bourne and Brett Lawson.
As the game progressed, both sides became irritable and aggressive and clumsy tackles were appearing on all parts of the pitch.
Centre midfielder Andy Paterson worked tirelessly, making a great amount of space for Josh Speak and Parsons to pick up the ball and create more attacks.
Neither side managed to create a convincing shot on goal until a short corner was given Oke's way — Andy Paterson dragged it straight to Parsons, who punished the ball into the far corner to make it 1-0.
The play of the game turned in Ashmoor's way towards the end of the first half, as their centre back flicked numerous passes over the Oke midfield. Mark Bingham, playing right back, took each ball out of the air with superb control.
At the start of the second half it was Okehampton whose attack proved the most effective. Some fine dribbling and one touch passing between Andy Paterson, Greg Williams and Josh Speak resulted in another short corner. This time Paterson passing to Williams, who coolly drew the ball square to Nick Luxton who took one small touch before producing a piledriver in the bottom corner.
Ashmoor came back but centre back John Jarvis and man of the match Luke Liversidge held firm. Ashmoor finally made the break through after some nifty work down their right hand side, a strong strike from the top of the D making its way past Andy Harvey, who had an outstanding game in goal throughout.
The goal gave Ashmoor confidence but Okehampton put many players back in defence to ensure their lead remained intact.