Petroc two

ISCA ladies’

fifths 3

Oke ladies’ thirds 1

ON another wet Saturday the visitors were bright from the start and their adventurous attacking play caught by surprise the Exeter side, who are several points clear of them in the league.

Okehampton had the better play in the first half with good movement up front from forwards, Sandy Houston and Sarah Bazeley, and a lively debut from Katy Chapman giving the side much needed pace to their attack. The visitors were unlucky not take the lead when a rocket of a strike from Sandy Houston from a short corner shaved the wrong side of the goal post.

There was defending to do at the other end and Emelia Bazeley made a magnificent clearance off the line to thwart an ISCA attempt. Okehampton looked comfortable with their passing and were unlucky to concede a scrappy goal just before half-time. They then conceded again early in the second half and for a period their attacking threat dimmed. Their energetic goalkeeper, Ella Kaye, was called upon to make some excellent saves with the help of some last gasp defending from Lois Rowlands. Sophie Mugliston and Izzy Rowlands tackled gamely but in the end Isca’s persistence paid off and they went a somewhat flattering 3-0 ahead.

However, this Oke side is built on teamwork and a never say die attitude. As always, captain Jane Jones and Sarah Marvin gave their all in midfield, working the ball out to the wings. Joey Drake pushed up strongly from the back to bring the ball forward and Oke player of the match, Eleanor Marvin, made some penetrating runs down the left flank allowing the visitors to exert their earlier pressure on the Isca goal. Eventually they were rewarded with a deserved goal from a well-taken corner, skilfully diverted into goal by to Annie Strawbridge on the right post.