Sidmouth and Ottery Men’s 1st 0 ,

Exeter University Men’s’ D 2

SOHC’s first team came into their match against Exeter University D determined to put the season back on track after a couple of defeats. The home team’s squad of 13 had a familiar look, with Charlie Please again stepping up from the 2nds.

Sidmouth and Ottery started positively putting pressure on the university in the first ten minutes. However, they were unable to convert this into goals, and it was the students who capitalised twice in quick succession with counter attack goals. This took the wind out of the home team’s sails, resulting in some scrappy hockey and poor ball retention by SOHC. The university dominated the rest of the half without threatening with the first half finishing 0-2.

The home team’s response to captain Ian Brown’s half-time team talk was very positive.

They dominated the second half putting pressure on the university side high up the pitch with a series of turn-overs leading to dangerous attacking play.

Indeed, the midfield, including a particularly influential Matthew Ogbourne, were looking fitter and more effective than the generally younger away side.

Despite this domination, the home team could not convert a number of good chances and the second half finished goalless.

Next week sees the side travel to Plymouth University for a clash with a team pushing for promotion. SOHC hope to turn in another good performance, but need to reinforce this with some goals and points to ease their relegation concerns.