Okehampton Argyle Ladies 1
Central 6
ALTHOUGH the scoreline may suggest otherwise Argyle were never overawed against a team sporting seven county U18s.
Even when reduced to ten players early in the second half this talented Central side had to work hard to overcome a resilient young Okehampton side.
Okehampton took a deserved lead from a well taken strike by Kelly Cooper. She latched onto a precision through-pass from Hayleigh Vincent and gave the keeper little chance from 15 yards.
The back three of Ceri Chapman and Miki and Sammy Burdus had easily marshalled the talented Central forwards until lapses in discipline were punished twice just before the break.
After the break the ladies were still reeling and quickly conceded a further two goals. Their problems were further compounded when early in the second half, Chapman had to leave the field injured and without substitutes the ladies were reduced to ten.
Kerrie Drew, in the Okehampton goal coped well under pressure and made some fine saves. Determined support from midfielders Hayleigh Vincent and Jenny Drew made it difficult for the away team to break down the defence and it was only because of a few tired and injured legs that Central were able to add two late goals to their tally.
Naomi Wilkins and Michelle Vaughan performed admirably. Claire Tyson and Sarah Blowey, both carrying slight leg injuries, battled well on the wings and Blowey continued to link well with Cooper who went close on a couple of occasions.
Lady of the match: Michelle Vaughan.
This week's game is at home against Plymouth Oke Villa in the County Cup kick-off 2.30pm. Training is Thursday 6pm in Simmons Park. The Okehampton Ladies would like two or three more experienced players to bolster the squad. Anybody who may be interested should come to training or contact Jim Burdus on 01837 53789.