Devon Cup

Okehampton ladies 0

Plymouth University ladies 2

IT was a sunny Saturday and Okehampton firsts were up against Plymouth University firsts in the semi-final of the Devon cup.

Okehampton set out with deter-mination, with strong leads through the middle from Molly Marvin. The home side kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a short corner but the defence were strong and did not allow Joanna Moppet to convert.

Jess Medland was strong in the middle for Oke, refusing to allow the away team to break; using the width Lesley Bingham was able to run the ball along the right wing and into the opposition’s circle but the attack was cleared and the away team attacked quickly and were rewarded with a scrappy goal.

With Plymouth University keeping the pressure on, the Oke defenders stepped up and Kimmy Davey and Nicky Pedrick ensured that the away team did not convert any short corners. Despite more attacks on the right wing from Anna Speak, Oke’s efforts went unrewarded and the away team entered the second half with the lead.

Okehampton started the second half strongly with Amanda Sim posting up well, and Laura Parsons controlling the back. Sophia Marshall was able to carry the ball effectively up the wing, and find Oke player of the match Emily Rowlands but despite countless efforts, she was not able to find the goal. Oke kept fighting but after a deflection on a short corner Plymouth Uni were able to increase their lead. The home side did not let this dampen their spirits and after fighting in the middle, Sophie Whiteley was able to offload the ball to Hannah Whiteley; she returned Oke to the attack and after many more circle penetrations the home team still saw no reward for their efforts.

Plymouth Uni returned on the attack and were rewarded with another short corner but their effort was well saved by keeper Alice Wiseman. After more strong attacks from the Oke side they were still unable to change the score line. The game ended in a narrow win for the away side.