Southern one

Okehampton 2

University of Exeter E 1

OKEHAMPTON men’s first team played their final fixture of 2017.

An understrength University of Exeter side made the journey across to Okehampton, with the hope of repeating their win against Oke at the beginning of the season.

Fielding only 11 players, Oke were hopeful of finishing for Christmas on a high. Calm, composed play ensued with defenders Rob Hall and Luke Liversidge spreading the ball around the back with ease, under little pressure. This gave Oke a platform to play their way into the game and it was not long before their spell of possession told. A dynamic run, from man of the match Nick Luxton resulted in a short corner, following a poorly timed tackle. Sam Whalley made no mistake from the edge of the area, superbly dispatching the ball firmly into the bottom corner to take the lead.

The University responded by attacking down Oke’s left hand side, switching rapidly to the right allowing a wide player to dribble into the D and squeeze the ball past the onrushing Jacob Jones in goal.

The beginning of the second half started much like the first - Oke were content at passing the ball about the defence, waiting for the opportunity to pounce, and pounce they did. Jack Watson, playing at centre forward, latched on to a poor clearance and surprised the University keeper to belt the ball home, making it 2-1 to Oke.

University stepped up their attacking game and the tired legs of Okehampton’s midfield meant that wing backs Caleb and Simon Bourne were called into action. Time and time again they repelled University’s attempts at breaking the line of defence. However, Oke’s discipline was first-class and they kept their heads in the key final minutes to close out any further assaults. The final whistle sounded, Oke taking the three points into Christmas and jumping past their opponents E in the league table.