Southern one

EXETER UNIVERSITY E 2

OKEHAMPTON FIRSTS 0

OKEHAMPTON travelled to play Exeter University E team for a top of the table clash on a sunny, autumnal afternoon.

The game started at a ferocious pace with Oke holding a high press on the Uni back four. The young Exeter side were patient in their build up but Oke’s resilience at the back held firm. Hard working interplay from the visiting forwards saw frequent counter attacks with Jack Watson and George Morgan but Timon Chapman and Reuben Bourne were unable to convert any opportunities. Against the run of play, Uni were awarded a penalty corner and the ball trickled across the line for the home side to take a lead.

Buoyed by an inspirational half-time team talk from skipper Luke Liversidge, Oke knew the game was there to be won. Out they came and a mesmerising run by Liversidge penetrated the D, only to see his shot go wide. Two injuries forced an Oke defensive reshuffle, Caleb Bourne slotted into right back and Will Cooper into centre back, allowing Rob Hall to play a central role.

The visitors continued to work hard but resolute defending prevented the equaliser. On a rare break down the Uni’s right hand side, Oke man of the match Simon Bourne committed to the challenge only for the ball to shoot up high into the D. With the sun low on the horizon, keeper Hayden Bond, was blinded by the glare, as he was struck on the head by a flailing Uni stick. He still managed to play the ball away from goal, however it landed into the path of an attacking player who volleyed it sweetly into the back of the net.