Southern one

EAST DEVON 3

OKEHAMPTON MEN’S FIRSTS 2

ON a cold January afternoon Okehampton travelled to Exeter to play East Devon who were one point above them in third place in the league.

Oke started well, controlling the game and with a strong defensive line up of Jackson, Hall, Cooper, and Howard they dealt with any early attacks. Their goalkeeper Westlake was rarely troubled until a defensive slip let East Devon in to take the lead. This did not dampen the Okehampton spirits and they fought to win a short corner which captain Liversidge dispatched with an authoritative drag flick. The visitors battled hard to increase their lead but a strong counter attack from East Devon led to a goal and so the half ended 2-1 to the home side.

Okehampton increased the tempo going into the second half as Liversidge, Morgan and Paterson controlled the midfield, moving the ball with pace and purpose. The pressure led to Liversidge feeding a strong pass through to Chapman on the back post who deflected the ball into the net for the equaliser. As the half progressed, Oke forwards France and Speak created chances to add to the score but unfortunately for the visitors, against the run of play, East Devon once again took the lead; the home side held out to protect their lead to win the game and consolidate their position in the league table. Okehampton remain in fourth place.