| Match Report |
Caradon A took a big step towards promotion with a hard fought win over third placed Okehampton which saw both teams play some excellent hockey at times. Caradon got off to fast start, in contrast to last week, carving out a half chance before Okehampton had even touched the ball. It wasn't long before Caradon created further inroads into the Okehampton D and a short corner was awarded. Captain David Lockett made no mistake hitting a hard shot through the defenders legs on the line. Okehampton were still dangerous on the break and were pressing the Caradon defence hard which resulted in a turnover down the right and the resultant hit into the D was well worked into goal to bring the scores level. Caradon seemed to up their game from this set back and with their second short corner the initial shot was saved but Harrison Pollard reacted quickest to fire a shot back in which was stopped on the line by a defenders foot. Pollard duly dispatched the penalty flick to put Caradon back in front. Caradon kept the pressure on and a couple more short corners were awarded following clever play by Ben Hedley. Although the first one went just wide the following one was on the money and the defender on the line was unable to react in time to keep it out. Although a couple more chances came before half time there was no change to the scoring. The half time team talk focused on the dangers posed by a useful Okehampton team and the need to get the next goal to but the game out of reach. Having missed a couple of short corner opportunities early in the second half the fourth one finally provided dividends as the second short on goal was again stopped on the line. Pollard again stepped up to score to give Caradon a three goal lead and ensure his almost unanimous nomination as Man of the Match. The last 20 minutes saw Caradon start to take the foot off the pedal which allowed Okehampton back into the game and with 2 minutes remaining they got a second goal when one of their young forwards picked up the ball on the left side of the D and struck a good shot from a tight angle to beat the goalkeeper for a good consolation effort. Caradon next visit Penzance for what will be another tough test having only won the home fixture by a single goal at the start of the season.
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