SOHC 2, Isca II 1 Placed firmly at the foot of the table, SOHC prepared for what looked to be another loss, writes Sam King.

Up against the table topping Isca 2nds, the chance of gaining some crucial points looked slim.

An awe inspiring team talk from captain, Ian Brown, coupled with momentum from the previous week’s solid performance against Ashmoor proved otherwise.

Isca were clearly taken aback by the fast pace of game played by the energetic SOHC side, with several chances being created after good link up play between Matt Ogbourne and Jim Harris in the centre of the field.

The rare, but well worked counter attacks from Isca were comfortably dealt with by the solid defensive line of Baker, Miller, Brown and Brooker. Committed and active play continued to offer chances until caught on the break when Isca launched a counterattack and scored a well taken deflection. The goal gave Isca an expected boost, and individual skill from their forward drew Peter Baker into a late tackle resulting in a yellow card. Down to 10 men SOHC struggled to find any rewards for their efforts and went into half time a goal down.

Having taken on fluid at half-time SOHC began the second half looking organised. The introduction of Will Gallantree proved effective as he demonstrated considerable skill, creating multiple chances for the forwards.

It was from one of these chances that Duncan Gracie drove into the D and drew a foul to win a penalty flick. Andrew Welch stepped up and despatched a powerful flick into the top right-hand corner to level the score line, SOHC were back in the game.

With a crowd building on the sidelines, the home team were spurred on and continued to put pressure on Isca’s well organised defence.

This consistent level of play from both sides meant for a tough battle, and SOHC had difficulty releasing the ball from the defensive line. Following a good piece of switching play around the back to Brooker, forward Sam King created space and received the ball in the left half of the field to drive down the touch line and into the ‘D’. He unleashed a powerful reverse stick cross finding Mikey Bell who deflected the ball to score the winning goal. Isca picked up the tempo in the closing minutes in a desperate bid to level the scores.

However, they were unsuccessful and SOHC deservedly took their first win of the season to gain an invaluable three points.

This weekend sees the side travel to Bodmin.