Sidmouth and Ottery 2nds 2,

Kingsbridge and Salcombe 4 (penalties) – Semi Final Devon Trophy

The pressure started to mount as both teams warmed up in Ottery St Mary for the semi final of the Devon Trophy, with a place in final at stake, writes Jessica Lay.

Sidmouth and Ottery did not let Kingsbridge and Salcombe psych them out with their vocal warm up.

Sidmouth and Ottery were put under pressure by the visitors straight from the start, but with some tight marking and communication the ball was well defended by Cath Dockley.

Kingsbridge continued to press, but SOHC intercepted the ball, getting it out wide to Bobbie Caldwell who flew down the pitch crossing it into the D giving some excellent chances on goal. Kingsbridge and Salcombe were awarded a short corner which they put away from the right hand post. SOHC kept their heads up and continued to attack having numerous shots on goal.

After a motivating team talk at half time by coach Gus McVey, SOHC started the second half with renewed energy, knowing a place in the final was still well within their reach.

SOHC started well and had some excellent chances to equalise, with Nicky Bishop and Rachael Down closing Kingsbridge and Salcombe down at every opportunity. SOHC equalised eventually with a well deserved goal by Maisie Pritchard. Knowing that if the game finished as a draw it would go to penalty flicks the race was on with both sides trying to secure a place in the final.

It was a tense second half with both sides having chances on goal. However after 70 minutes the score remained at 1-1. Unfortunately Sidmouth and Ottery lost 4-2 in penalties after having one of their goals disallowed, this being a somewhat controversial decision which left SOHC feeling robbed of the win.

It was a great team effort by everyone, Player of the Match going to Maisie Pritchard.