Juventus U16 Youth League
Brixington Blues 2
Okehampton Argyle 2
ON a warm opening day to the new season Okehampton's U16 side travelled to Exmouth to take on Brixington.
Brixington started the better and it seemed likely their quick passing and good movement would deliver a positive result.
But Okehampton's keeper Herrod-Taylor and the defensive trio of Kimber, Wonnacott and Collins supported by midfielder Woods and flank defenders Merttens and Weekes kept their side in the game.
Okehampton opened the scoring against the run of play when a long clearance by Herrod-Taylor found Prouse who released Clarke to run at the home side's goal. His strength and determination saw him hold off two challenges and plant his low shot past the keeper.
Okehampton were still congratulating themselves when they conceded a free-kick 30 yards from their goal. Poor communication between Herrod-Taylor and his defensive wall and defenders led to confusion and the kick deflected off Wonnacott's head and into the net.
The second half saw both sides play neat football without troubling either keeper. Okehampton broke the deadlock with a fine left flank move between Weekes, Kimber and King which saw the latter deliver a deep cross to the far post for Clarke to power his second into the roof of the net.
Okehampton again were in celebratory mood rather than defensive just minutes later. A misdirected defensive clearance gave Brixington a corner and the resultant cross found a player unmarked at the back post. He took advantage and powered the header past Herrod-Taylor.
This seemed to spur Okehampton on and the introduction of Chapman and the change to a 4-4-2 formation gave them the lion's share of play for the remaining ten minutes.
On September 27 Okehampton are home to Central AFC from Exeter. Kick-off 10.30am.