Dartmouth Ladies ............1
Okehampton Ladies 4
WITH Dartmouth just above Okehampton in the league, this was an important game for the Columbines to win, and it was a fabulous team effort which saw them to victory.
Okehampton surged forward from the start, but were susceptible on the break. Jane Jones at right back had a disciplined and solid match and timed her tackles to perfection.
Okehampton took an early lead with a rare goal straight from a long corner taken by Hannah Whiteley; the ball was flicked on across the goal where Jo Drake was waiting on the left post to sheer the ball past the keeper into the corner of the goal.
Columbines sustained the pressure, particularly through the penetrating runs of Hannah on the right wing and centre forward Jo Moppett, who worked tirelessly throughout the match. This paid off when Columbines were awarded a free hit from the edge of the circle, which Alex Collins skilfully deflected past the goalkeeper with a reverse stick shot.
Jo Moppett made it three for Okehampton with a splendid solo effort, but Okehampton were then guilty of taking their foot off the pedal and, despite some good saves from goalkeeper Sophie Whiteley, conceded a goal from a corner. This fired up Dartmouth and keeper Sophie was put under siege with a flurry of shots, which she parried confidently.
Dartmouth were completely deflated a few minutes later when Rachel Hammett, who had come on for Hannah, raced down the right wing, slipping the ball inside for Jo Moppett, who again slotted home.
l This week Okehampton Ladies are away to Bude on Saturday in the league with a further re-arranged league game on Sunday.