Okehampton ladies 5

Dart ladies 3

THIS was always going to be an interesting game for Okehampton ladies as Dart are one of the few teams to have beaten them this season. 

The game started with Dart making most of the running.  Jo Moppett and Lesley Bingham were closely marked up front and few of the balls to Moppett reached her. 

The visitors went ahead after a lightning attack down the right wing; a nifty cross to several attackers at the goalie's feet and the ball was in.

Okehampton kept feeding the ball back up.  Throughout the game there was determined work across the half-line from Jane Jones, Alex Collins and Louise Weller, who shared the management of the centre of the pitch. All demonstrated fire and persistence in blocking the attack and feeding the ball to the front players. One such ball found Moppett who used her speed to create space and shot the ball past the defence to even the score.

Okehampton were starting to find their groove and were unlucky not to score from their many attacks but it was Dart that got the next goal with a ball that rose into the top corner giving little opportunity to block. 

The visitors third goal followed soon after, when a cannonball of a strike was deflected at the goalie's feet by Dart's centre - a fine goal which gave Okehampton no chance.

At 3-1 down Okehampton's quick passing began to show rewards. Bingham, well positioned, twice tapped crosses into the goal — one from Kim Davey and another from oppet.  Now Okehampton were equal.

The energy of the game went up several notches as Dart saw victory begin to slip from their grasp.  Good communication in defence, well marshalled by Carol Taylor, kept Okehampton's shape.

Kim Bland, playing left back, created space with intelligent and controlled manoeuvres. She passed to Moppett who shook off her marker, dodged several defenders, lured out the goalie and pushed in a leisurely ball to put Okehampton in the lead. 

Davey followed this up with a run down the right wing.  This culminated in a powerful cross which was deflected by a defender to score again for Okehampton for a well fought victory for the home side.