Devon Trophy semi-final

Okehampton 3

Torbay 3

(Okehampton won on penalty flicks)

HAVING already played each other twice in the league, both Okehampton and Torbay were determined to make sure they were on the winning side of this semi-final contest.

Okehampton started off brilliantly with a balanced and well drilled team applying pressure to Torbay from the off, nearly resulting in a goal from the first few phases of play.

The first goal came shortly after in an unusual way. A pass from Liversidge was fired up the pitch, seemingly heading off the back line but instead hit the goal post and bounced back into play.

With a baffled keeper not reacting quickly enough, S Bourne pounced on the opportunity and tapped the ball home for the first goal.

The away side did not back down though and immediately replied to level the scores. Okehampton responded well to this mishap and began to control the game, moving the ball well and creating chances.

It was not long before Okehampton were awarded a short corner; the ball was injected by Rodgers to Whalley and passed out to Miller to his left.

Miller shifted the ball onto his reverse and smashed the ball through the keeper’s legs taking the score to 2-1.

The second half set off with Torbay pressing the home team not wanting to let this cup tie be lost without a fight. The two teams battled with even possession and chances until a breakaway from Torbay resulted in their second goal which again levelled the scores.

The game went on with both teams continuing to defend and attack well. Getting late on into the game the tension started to rise with both teams knowing a goal now would surely result in the win.

Okehampton worked hard in both defence and attack and were rewarded with a short corner.

The ball was injected once more by Rodgers to Luxton, who set the ball out to his right and in true Luxton style buried the ball into the bottom right corner. 

Battening down the hatches and defending continuously they repelled all Torbay threw at them.

Unfortunately for Okehampton, Torbay’s persistence paid off with a controversial goal right on the full time whistle.

A nerve racking contest from the flicks resulted in victory for Okehampton with conversions from Miller, Speak, Rodgers, Liversidge and Whalley.

A great win for Okehampton earns them a place in the final of the Devon Trophy on April 21 against Plymouth Marjon B.

Pictures by James Bird.