Okehampton Ladies Columbines 5 Newton Abbot Ladies 2 OKEHAMPTON started fast. Jo Moppett and Jo Drake weaved their way to strike at goal, using short passes, within seconds of the start. Newton Abbot retaliated and Okehampton soon were defending their goal circle. This swift movement up and down the pitch was a feature of the match; Newton Abbot being noted for hard hitting and fast running. A shot at goal being blocked by a foot on the line led to penalty flick. Jo Moppett scored to put Okehampton ahead. Newton Abbot came back with a whistling shot off a short corner to equalise. Within a minute Okehampton scored again when Viv Weatherington touched the ball past the goalie. Sophie Whiteley in goal kept Okehampton's lead with a breathtaking save of a flying shot which was like a bullet at waist high level. With a half-time score of 2-1 the game could still go either way. Jo Moppett scored again with masterly intelligence, confidence and timing. This was needed against Newton Abbot's goalie who was a real force to be reckoned with. Attacks by Newton Abbot continued, mainly down their right wing. Sandy Douglas at right back ended several challenges with well-timed tackles that made it all look easy. Her feeds forward strongly aided Okehampton's attack. The free flowing movement between the forwards, Viv Weatherington, Hannah Whiteley, Jo Moppett and Jo Drake with good use of short passes by the whole team maintained Okehampton's control. A good call from Jane Jones pulled the ball from a melee of players in the circle to give Jane a clear shot at goal for Okehampton's fourth. Newton Abbot continued to challenge and again they showed the strength of their hitting when they scored again off a short corner. Heavy drizzle and a fierce wind made playing reminiscent of trying to run with a shower going in your face. A fifth goal by Viv Weatherington really made Okehampton safe. l Okehampton Ladies are away on Saturday to Penzance.
