Blackmore fires Otters into next round of Under-11 League Cup
- Credit: Archant
Ottery St Mary Under-11s booked a berth in the next round of the Exeter and District Youth League KO Cup with a superb all-round performance that saw them win 2-1 at Alphington.
A confident Otters team began strongly, but learned very quickly that the opposition were going to make them work hard for any chance at victory.
Alphington moved and passed the ball confidently and made a few early attempts on goal, all of which were dealt with superbly by Otters keeper Jack Hembrow.
The newly formed Otters defence consisting of Tom Bennett, Finlay Giles and Sam Gleeson remained calm, settled themselves quickly and ultimately took control of the game.
The rest of the Otters team followed suit and gradually began controlling most areas of the pitch, making it impossible for their opponents to make any real chances.
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Midway through the first half the Otters broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from Shaw ‘backheel’ Browning putting the visitors deservedly ahead. Alphington responded quickly and pressured the Otters but the Blues remained strong and kept the game under control.
On the stroke of half time, a goalmouth scramble in front of the Otters goal lead to a highly contentious penalty decision.
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The Alphington striker dispatched the penalty with stunning efficiency bringing the home side level going into the break.
The second half brought much of the same with both teams battling hard and pressing for that winning goal.
That goal finally arrived with a run from midfield and a wonder strike from Jake Blackmore that the Alphington keeper just could not control.
From that point there was only going to be one outcome. The Otters took control and saw the game out, winning 2-1 and claiming a place in the next round.
Coaches Adam Smallcock and John Clarke were extremely proud of the whole team with Smallcock saying: “I was impressed how the boys dealt with the pressure and following the penalty decision they really showed true bouncebackability!”
Clarke added: “ The whole team excelled today and I couldn’t be more proud of the boys. The three lads in defence were outstanding.”
Otters team: Jack Hembrow, Tom Bennett, Sam Gleeson, Finlay Giles, Jake Blackmore, Jack Carpenter, Shaw Browning, Freddie Clarke, Ben Briar and Zach Wilkinson.
