Jackson Vending Devon & Exeter Youth League
Barnstaple U17s 2
Okehampton U17s 1
OKEHAPTON can count themselves unlucky not to have come away from Barnstaple with all three points after outplaying the home side for much of the game.
In the first half, kicking against a strong breeze, Okehampton created some good chances and deservedly went ahead after 25 minutes. Tom Williams was brought down in the area after a good run down the right. Dean Rice converted the penalty.
James Callaghan and Dan Pengelly were causing the home defence severe problems and both players were unlucky not to have put Okehampton further ahead before the interval.
Then from one of Barnastaple's rare attacks a good ball was played into the penalty area and converted for the equaliser.
The second half was only five minutes old when Pengelly came off with an injury and was replaced by James Pride, Still Okehampton pushed forward but could not get the goal that would have given them the lead.
With 20 minutes left Barnstaple were given a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and a great shot beat Scott Leyman at the far post to put the home side 2-1 up.
Just after the goal Williams was sent off after what looked like a no-contact tackle and it was going to be difficult for Okehampton to get back in the game.
They pushed forward relentlessly and were unlucky in the last minute when Callaghan hit the post after a great run into the Barnstaple penalty area.
Next match, Pinhoe, away, January 6, leave Okehampton 9am.