St Austell Ladies Vs Okehampton

St Austells first home game of the 2024 was always going to be a tough one where they welcomed new to the league this year, Okehampton. The last clash between the two teams saw Okehampton walk away with an impressive double figure win. 

Despite the home advantage, saints had a depleted squad and took to the pitch with bare 11. Okehampton started strong, making their way around the pitch however St Austell were quick in breaking down their play and set pieces.

Saints super backs of Mandy Bevins, Lucie Oakley and Debbie James were defiant in defence today, and were hounding down the fast breaks, with super keeper Nikita Williams making some great saves coming in from all angles and heights. 

Despite the press from Okehampton, St Austell replied and forced the away team to think quick. Maisie Moule receiving the long ball made pace into the circle with Beth Horwell picking up the square ball, they both worked their way around the defence and created some hopeful opportunities for Saints with the ball just going wide. 

Opportunities for saints continued with a short corner but once more denied by the keeper. Fantastic defending continued to deny Okehampton of more chances, Oakley keeping calm and collecting the ball away from the Saints goal, out to Poppy Marsh and up the right wing. Some great skill in the middle between Marsh, Miranda Ball and Laura Tregunna to get the ball back into the attacking D.

Four short corners were awarded to Okehampton in quick succession. Saints defence working relentlessly to keep the ball away finished with multiple great clearances from Ball and James. Okehamptons perseverance finally paying off when they took the lead. 

A saints super strike flew into the back of the net to score the equaliser minutes before half time, but the umpiring whistle blowing just as the strike was hit, found the goal disappointingly dis-allowed. 

Half time 1-0. 

The second half remained much the same but St Austell utilised their triangles and really worked well together throughout the field. 

Molly Adams once again receiving a long ball from the midfield, worked well with Horwell and Moule to apply pressure on to the Okehampton backs.

Once again a number of short corners were awarded to Okehampton, changing their tactics they advanced their lead by pinging the ball into the top of the net. 

A tiring St Austell 11 continued to battle hard  but were soon down to 10 when Oakley took to the sideline green card. 

The 70 minutes ending with Okehampton taking a 2-0 win. Despite the loss, St Austell proved to be a different team from the first time they met

MOM: Mandy Bevins

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