Southern one

OKEHAMPTON LADIES’ SECONDS 1

ASHMOOR LADIES 2

ASHMOOR Ladies completed the league double over Oke, who put in a spirited and determined display.

Oke set out with a positive attitude. The home side’s midfielders Louise Weller and Ellie Shayler pressurised the Ashmoor players picking up any loose ball and distributing it quickly to the Oke attackers.

The first half saw an exciting end to end hockey but strong defending from Oke backs Debbie Pritchard, Amelia Bazeley and Elsa Frangleton put a stop to Ashmoor’s penetrating attacking moves down the wings.

Oke’s left wing Sophie Tripp and Emma Wiseman on the right attack split the visitors’ defence on several occasions with their speed and skill, but Oke were unable to convert this pressure into goals.

Half-time saw both teams feeling frustrated due to the lack of goals, but equally very driven to get their names on the score sheet.

It was Oke who broke the deadlock when Wiseman picked up a ball from Oke’s midfield high in the Ashmoor half.

She cleverly drew her defender before putting in a powerful cross in front of the Ashmoor goal.

Sophie Mugliston was quick to pounce on this cross and find the back of the visitor’s goal to give Oke the lead.

Ashmoor fought back, pushing players up the field looking for an equaliser.

Oke’s player of the match Annie Strawbridge used her speed and determination to chase down the oppositions’s attack and give Oke ball possession.

Oke were unlucky not to increase their lead when they were awarded several penalty corners. Only solid Ashmoor defending prevented shots on goal from Amelia Bazeley and Sophie Tripp from hitting the back board.

Ashmoor again piled on the pressure, forcing Oke’s centre back Rachel Adams to make some decisive tackles and keeper Ella Kaye to protect her goal with some crucial saves.

Ashmoor attacked in numbers and they were eventually rewarded with an equalising goal.

With only minutes left on the clock, both teams were looking for a winning goal.

Unfortunately for Oke they conceded a penalty corner, with the Ashmoor shot on goal clipping an Oke stick, sending the ball high into the top of the net and out of reach of the keeper.

Oke responded with a barrage of attacks but the final whistle was blown before they could salvage any league points.