Okehampton ladies’ Badgers 0

Exe ladies 1

THE cold weather inspired the young Okehampton team to move quickly around the pitch, passing the ball with speed and accuracy. When put under pressure Oke defenders Izzy Rowlands, Hannah Woodhams and Sophie Mugliston coolly passed the ball out of defence, allowing their wide midfielder players to penetrate Exe down the wings.

Annie Strawbridge, playing on the right, used her swift pace to nip past the Exe players and make several well-timed passes to right wing Verity Hanson, who was unlucky not to score.

On the opposite side of the pitch Rosie Higgs was forcing the Exe players to defend resolutely as she used her blistering speed to carry the ball into attack and cross it into the Exe circle. The Exe defence marked and tackled strongly, denying a determined Eleanor Marvin the chance to find the back of the net. Exe’s forwards were quick on the break forcing Oke midfielders Emilia Bazeley and player of the match Fleur Mitchell to track back for some high-speed defending. Throughout the first half the teams were evenly matched and Oke were unfortunate to concede a runaway goal just before half time.

Exe came out with more confidence in the second half piling on the pressure. Oke’s goalkeeper Ella Kaye took control of her circle, coolly clearing several shots on goal to keep her team in the game. Oke regained their composure with quick footed Lucy Wiseman intercepting the ball and making a beeline for the Exe circle. Only heroic goalkeeping from Exe prevented Oke from scoring a much deserved equaliser.