Oke ladies’ Badgers 1

Exe ladies’ Badgers 2

FOR this game last Friday Okehampton Badgers were made up of all younger players with only one experienced player in the midfield.

Exe’s attack were quick and direct forcing Oke’s captain Sophie Mugliston to make some decisive tackles at centre back.

Oke’s defence worked well together with the wide players Izzy Rowlands and Hannah Woodhams clearing the ball out of danger. Wing halves Annie Strawbridge and player of the match Katie Delahunty used their speed and skill to penetrate deep into the Exe half. The first goal of the game was scored by the visitors, who were quick on the break and surged forward carrying the ball up the pitch and into the Oke goal.  Oke’s determined youngsters came back strongly with centre forward Lucy Aveyard pouncing on every available ball but Exe’s strong defenders stopped her scoring attempts.

Oke continued to pile on the pressure in the second half and they were rewarded with an equaliser when left wing Eleanor Marvin confidently slotted the ball into the goal.  Midfielders Emilia Bazeley and Lucy Wiseman worked tirelessly dropping back to defend but also looking dangerous on the attack.  

Despite some great saves from the Oke keeper Ella Kaye, Exe took the lead when a narrowly angled shot found the corner of the net.

In the last ten minutes of the game Oke kept attacking the Exe circle and right wing Abby Luxton was denied the equaliser when her shot just went wide of the goal. Oke were disappointed not to draw the fixture when the final whistle blew in this evenly matched contest.