Culm 2 Okehampton Seconds 2 OKEHAMPTON second team went to Culm on Saturday knowing a draw would be good enough to win their league. It was always going to be difficult for the Seconds, but what made it more entertaining was that Culm played most of their first team from senior 1. Culm started the better with Okehampton showing a nervy side to their play. Culm carved out some early chances but with Geering in goal, who has been excellent all season, and the defence marshalled by captain Mark Hampson, Okehampton managed to weather the early pressure. In the 15th minute Okehampton had their first chance of the game. Dan Pengelly had a good opportunity to open the scoring but unfortunately missed his chance. With Okehampton's midfield of Gibbs, Entwistle, Yipp and Clark beginning to find their feet in a competitive midfield battle, the side began to carve out more chances and got their reward when Pengelly finished off a good move. Culm looked dangerous around the box and in the 40th minute they got their reward for an all out battling first half display. The half-time team talk by manager Steve Harris was all about desire, commitment and passion for one last 45 minutes. And the Okehampton players did not disappoint him with some hard tackling defence play by Gill, Ditchburn and Williams and better tireless running from Prouse up front. The second half saw the better opportunities fall to Okehampton who could not finish them off with a goal. With 22 minutes to go Culm scored a second that could have seen the young Okehampton side drop their heads. But their response was to keep battling in search of a goal and with subs Burdus and Atherton beginning to make an impression more chances were created. It was a huge relief when Mark Burdus scored from yet another Okehampton corner in the fifth minute of injury time. Even then with the scores level there were still another three minutes of wasted time to play and all the Okehampton players worked tirelessly till the final whistle and the after-match celebrations could begin. It has been a massive effort by the Seconds this season, which has seen them win one cup, lose in two semi-finals — to win the league was icing on the cake. Okehampton Football Club's dinner and dance is at Fingle Glen on Saturday May 31. Tickets are still available through the Exeter Arms or Jim Burdus.
