Okehampton Columbines Ladies 2 Penzance Ladies 3 OKEHAMPTON drove down to Penzance on a lovely day, reasonably confident but it turned into a bit of a shocker. Okehampton has not lost a game since September 2006 and beat Penzance 4-1 last time they played. But this time Penzance showed a different mettle. Their first goal was a head high ball, stopped by goalie Sophie Whiteley and then struck as it came down at waist height. To be 1-0 down was unusual for Okehampton but they have come back from worse. Okehampton looked slightly dazed and there was frustration as reactions did not seem to meet the pace of the ball. Penzance's forwards hung up and fierce balls through left the backs outnumbered. Despite great tackling and last second blocking by backs Sandy Douglas, Abi Colton and Jenny Humphrey, at half-time the score stood at 2-0. Okehampton struggled to find their form and luck did not appear to be on their side. Some great crosses and passes would catch players off balance and pass them by, catch their feet, deflect to the opposition or, most frequently, be cut out by a fast moving Penzance. Sarah Jones at left half showed great presence of mind and calm in this her first league game despite this great pressure. There was a sense of disbelief as Penzance went up to 3-0. Finally, however, one of Okehampton's attacks was blocked by a foot on the goal-line and a penalty flick was given. Jo Moppett put it away with her customary expertise and the whole team's spirits rose. The last third of the game was dominated by Okehampton attacking. Strike after strike, supported by centre back Jenny Humphrey who saw no point in hanging down the field, finally paid off. Jo Moppett's pass to right wing Hannah Whiteley was swiftly returned to facilitate a clear pass to left wing Viv Weatherington who eased it past the goalie. Now in full flood Okehampton felt perfectly capable of scoring several more goals but the final whistle went to leave the score at 3-2. l Okehampton are at home this week to Dartmouth. The match starts at 2.30pm.
