Southern one

Okehampton men’s firsts 5

Torbay men 0

OKEHAMPTON faced Torbay this week, the home side looking to bounce back from a poor run of form.

The game started brightly for both sides, each team testing the keepers at either end. Sound defending from Oke wing backs Simon and Caleb Bourne prevented any wide attacks. The midfield trio of Luke Liversidge and men of the match Luke Miller and Nick Luxton began to control the proceedings.

Tenacious tackling in the centre by Liversidge led to Luxton picking up the ball, driving past three defenders before passing to an unmarked Jack Watson to tap home into an empty goal.

Torbay responded well, winning a number of short corners which keeper Jacob Jones dealt with superbly, palming and kicking away shots with ease.

The first half ended 1-0 to Oke, but the game was all to play for and they knew a strong second half was needed.

The start of the second half saw Torbay pushing high up the pitch, seeking that all important equaliser. Resolute defending from captain Gers and Rob Hall thwarted any attempt at Jacob Jones’ goal.

After a spell of scrappy play, which saw cards being shown to players of both sides, Josh Speak sped down the left side of the pitch; he beat three defenders before craftily shifting the ball towards Whalley who desperately dived at the ball, poking it past the onrushing keeper to make it 2-0 to Oke.

Dented by Oke’s second goal, Torbay struggled to find any rhythm, their frustration resulting in giving away a short corner. A well worked routine led to Luke Liversidge deflecting the ball into the goal.

Now with a spring in their step, Oke piled on the pressure, Whalley intercepted a pass and drove at the defender before slipping the ball inside to Luxton who burst into the D and rounded the keeper, slotting it into the goal at the near post. 

Whalley grabbed his second of the day — dribbling past two players, he fired the ball into the far corner. Torbay had little fight left and little time to respond, the final whistle sounded with Oke taking the honours, 5-0.