Devon trophy

Oke men’s firsts 2

ISCA B 2

(Oke win 5-4 on penalty flicks).

ON a splendid afternoon, Okehampton wanted to avenge for last year’s cup final defeat, by hosting ISCA in what was always going to be an excellent quarter- final.

The game started well, with both sides creating chances. The central defence for Oke of Luke Liversidge and James Rogers stood tall, thwarting any early threats. The midfield of Nick Luxton, Andy Patterson and Luke Miller won possession and started to control the game.

A few moments went against Okehampton and the frustration of missed chances grew. This was amplified when a good strike from an ISCA player flew past keeper Jacob Jones.

Okehampton’s wing backs, Caleb and Simon Bourne, started to join in attacks and help the forward line, but again ISCA managed to put away a good goal, and Okehampton went into the break 2-0 down.

The second half started as intensely as the first ended, with both teams wanting to win the game. Okehampton’s attacking prowess started to pay off with more and more chances being created for the home side; man of the match Whalley dropped into midfield and pushed the home side on. Oke’s dominance was rightfully rewarded when Liversidge played a lovely ball to Miller who deflected the ball home to make it 2-1.

The game fired up, resulting in cards for both teams, with the wingers of Josh Speak, Reuben Bourne and Jack Watson tormenting the ISCA defence.

Whalley and Miller started to control the game in the middle of the park, and good work from Reuben found Miller at the top of the D  led to Watson smashing the ball under the keeper to level up the scores. The game played out with both sides going close, but eventually ending 2-2, and went on to penalty flicks with Oke winning 5-4.

This was a great comeback from the home side, who now have the excitement of a semi-final to look forward to.