Southern One

ECV Hornets A 0

Okehampton 0

OKEHAMPTON travelled to Exeter to face a Hornets side seven points below them in the league.

There were a number of first team players unavailable but one of the highlights of this season has been the way the second team players have stepped up to play at a higher level when required and this week was no exception. Wingers Stuart Jarvis and Toby Lloyd worked hard up front but were unable to find that telling pass to release Mark Parsons into space.

It was a fiercely contested battle in midfield with Jake Lloyd, Joff Stephens and Brett Lawson working tirelessly up and down the park. Okehampton were thankful to goal-keeper Hayden Bond and left back Simon Bourne who prevented the ball from crossing the line in a frantic goal mouth scramble. For a few moments it resembled a pinball machine with the ball saved twice and also stopped twice on the line.

The second half saw Okehampton regain their composure at the back with Rob Hall and Caleb Bourne marshalling the Hornets’ players out of the game. Oke pushed for a winner when a draw really was enough to maintain the gap in the league.

Poor poise on the ball and the lack of ability to make a decisive final pass saw the home team goalkeeper having a very quiet afternoon. It is Okehampton who count themselves most fortunate to escape with a point, due to the lack of sting in the Hornets’ attack, for they spurned two golden opportunities to win the game late on. For the second week in a row Caleb Bourne, playing in his new found position of right back, was awarded man of the match.

Okehampton continue their struggle for survival on Saturday, January 30 as they host fifth place OPMs, push back at the OCRA all weather pitch is at 12.15pm.

l Pictures by

James Bird.