Caradon ladies seconds 4

Okehampton ladies thirds 0

THE newly formed Okehampton ladies third team faced a stiff challenge from the strong and more experienced Caradon team in their first league match of the season away from home.

Caradon began in an attacking style forcing Oke to defend deep in their own half. The Caradon forwards passed the ball quickly and accurately and soon were rewarded with a slick deflection into the Oke goal.

The visitors reorganised themselves concentrating on man marking tightly their opponents. Oke’s midfielders Molly Marvin and Anna Speak worked tirelessly cutting out several attacking moves from Caradon through the middle of the pitch. Oke were unlucky to concede another goal from a Caradon penalty corner and the home team increased their lead to three just before half time with a well struck ball.

In the second half Oke were more composed and organised. They passed the ball around the pitch resulting in left wing Maddie Arden attacking with some penetrating runs putting the Caradon defence under pressure. Caradon soon retaliated forcing left half Elsa Frangleton and left back Mellissa Pinfield to work together to stop Caradon’s advances down the right side of the pitch.

Oke’s player of the match was their keeper Lucy Wiseman who spectacularly saved several high ball goal attempts from Caradon. Lucy did superbly in a couple of one-on –one situations with a Caradon forward when she cleanly won possession in the middle of the circle and cleared the ball with her powerful kick.

In the last 10 minutes of the game the Oke team absorbed attacks from Caradon and despite having to defend several penalty corners only one more goal was conceded. This was a spirited team effort for an inexperienced team with a bright future.