O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB
Match Reports
Season 2000/2001
23/09/2000 (A) vs PGSOB 4th XI
On a warm September day, OPMs season started with a friendly away to PGSOB IV. The OPMs team was missing some experienced heads but had 4 young new players playing men's hockey for the first time and a player coming back after an 8 year lay off. PGs fielded a youthful side but with the old master John Cowsill managing the midfield.
The game started at a fast pace with both teams trying to dominate the game from the start. The new look defence structure for OPMs were put under pressure from the start from a fast PGs forward line, but coped well. PGs took the lead with a scrambled goal, Paul Mingo in goal saved well the first hit but the ball came back to the PGS forward whose shot was bundled over the line despite the valiance of new skipper Ian Stone.
OPMs equalised soon after with a good shot from Chris Vinson. The game was then dominated for long periods by OPMs, PGs only looked dangerous when they broke from their own defence. OPMs were their own worst enemies at times when sweeper Gary Tuckett left his duties to go on another winding run, leaving both Ians (Stone and Ings) to save the team time and again. The new young players did really well playing in their first senior game. OPMs then took the lead again just before the end of the half with another goal from the old head of Chris Vinson.
The second half saw a change in the OPMs defence with Adam Whiting swapping duties with Gary Tuckett, Adam's man-to-man marking on the PGs centre forward was a revelation and kept him out of the game. This brilliant tactical change brought a goal from Gary Tuckett soon after. Chris Vinson then scored his third goal of the game after a well timed run put him past the keeper.
With 15 minutes to go and 4-1 up and OPMs looked comfortable. It was then Ian Ings took over the umpiring so the old time lord Rob Logan could play for a while. Showing remarkable touches of skill he managed to put lots of pressure on the defence, unfortunately it was on his own defence and PGs started to look dangerous. One pass-back to Paul in goal can only be described as suicidal, but the always cool Logan never looked bothered. With less than two minutes to go Logan struck again when after a short corner he deflected the ball over the bar with his stick, he thought it was a brilliant save but the umpires disagreed and a penalty flick was given. Although Paul Mingo made himself large it was not enough and PGs were back to 4-2.
The game finished like this a things didn't go too bad, OPMs missed the experience heads of Pring (nasty nipple injury), Norfolk (stateside somewhere) and Morgan (don't know where he is). The four new young players played really well, during the last 15 minutes they all came on to play after the impressive Kevin Baker picking up a stick for the first time in 8 years got tired, Jason Sweby after running himself into the ground was rested for next weeks game and Colin Bishop who passed a late fitness test on a nasty blister broke down in tears and had to come off.
Not a bad start to the season, Roll on Bobmin (I mean Bodmin.)
Ian Stone (Captain)
Score: OPM 4-2 PGSOB
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (3), Gary Tuckett
Chris Vinson
30/09/2000 (H) vs Bodmin
Well who needs all of the excitement of the Olympic Games Hockey Finals when you could have seen these two teams meet. There was bumping, boring, arguing (with both the umpires and each other), but then getting to the bar first is the most important thing about Saturday hockey! But the game itself was one not without the grit and determination that would be seen in any international final.
Before the game started there was controversy. Bodmin had not been able to supply an umpire of their own and after the valiant efforts of Lord Logan and the vice cap’n to locate one at such short notice we only had the aforementioned Lord to whistle. Fortunately Peter Rutherford was present at the game and was able to preside over the first half proceedings. And with Bodmin’s agreement Iain Ings was to take over for the second half (Mr Rutherford unable to stay on for the second period). This settled the game began.
From the off, it was immediately noticeable that Bodmin had some very quick and lively players and that the experienced defence of Iain Ings and Gary Tuckett would have to be at their sharpest to contain the constantly moving opposition forwards (too constantly moving!). But to Bodmin’s surprise it was the O.P.M’s who started by far the brightest. With some slick interplay down the right wing between Jason Sweby and Chris Vinson, O.P.M’s won a short corner. Gary Tuckett trundled up from the back and after a cleverly disguised switch from Chris Vinson powered a shot into the far right hand corner of the goal. 1-0 to O.P.M’s.
Two minutes later, with a quick counter attack and goal mouth melée, Colin Bishop, having recovered from his career threatening blister, bundled the ball past a disgruntled Bodmin keeper.
2-0 to O.P.M’s.
This powerful start unsettled Bodmin greatly and very soon they began to get undisciplined, with the Lord issuing the first card of the game (green) for dissent.
Bodmin then applied pressure but with stalwart defence and Adam Whiting revelling in this new role, just in front of the back two, Bodmin’s pressure went unrewarded until late in the first half, when O.P.M’s were outnumbered at the back and Paul Mingo was left unprotected. 2-1 to O.P.M’s.
But despite this setback, O.P.M’s looked very dangerous and Bodmin very cautious of being caught on the break. Chris Vinson was a constant thorn in their side, with silky stick control and an aggressive manor. And it remained the same until half time.
With the departure of Peter at half time, O.P.M’s had to reshape at the back to allow for Iain Ings to blow the whistle, and as such they adopted a more defensive role, bringing Adam Whiting to right back and moving Gary Tuckett across, to left back with Chris Vinson dropping deeper into the midfield. This meant that up front , we had to play mens league virgins to chase and harry the opposition (Tom, Luke, Chris and John), whom I must say, acquitted themselves with honour, on their first outing.
After mounting pressure however, O.P.M’s won a string of penalty corners, but were unable to convert them. But eventually, the hard work paid off, with the ‘blistering’ pace of Colin Bishop putting him in the right place to grab his second of the game. 3-1 to O.P.M’s.
With some more arguing from both teams and a couple more green cards (one to Bodmin and keeping up his average, one to Chris Vinson), Bodmin eventually pulled one back (hotly disputed by the aforementioned Mr Vinson). 3-2 to O.P.M’s.
This set up the game for a grandstand finish, which saw attack and counter attack, though most of the pressure was on the patched up O.P.M’s defence, which held firm and saw the game through to the end without conceding again. Thus giving O.P.M’s their first League win of the season and a great start to the new campaign.
Iain Ings (Vice-captain)
Score: OPM 3-2 PGSOB
OPM Scorers: Colin Bishop (2), Gary Tuckett
Chris Vinson
07/10/2000 (A) vs Truro A
OPM hockey club travelled to Falmouth to play Truro A in the South West Division 1 match. The match was rearranged to Falmouth and at 12:30 because Truro had trouble to book a pitch. OPMs were in trouble before the start when only one car turned up at the pitch, this car was late to the game. The umpires were consulted and OPMs had 10 minutes to field a side or the game would be called off. After frantic phone calls the other two cars were found driving around Falmouth shopping centre, directions were given. The two cars arrived and the game started straight away without OPMs being able to discuss tactics and positions.
The game started at a fast pace with OPMs having the better of the play. Chris Vinson had some good attacking moves but the solid Truro defence held steady. It was good to see the old head of Ian Pring back after injury who worked hard in the mid field. Against the run of play Truro took the lead after a short corner wasn't cleared. After this they packed the defence and OPMs couldn't find a way through.
Pring and Vinson poured forward but at times Truro had 8 or 9 defenders behind the ball and, the Truro keeper making good saves, the equaliser could not be found. Paul Mingo in the OPMs goal made some vital saves once with the help from his post, but with five minutes to go Truro scored a second goal on a break. OPMs were awarded 8 short corners but failed to score from any. After the win the week before against Bodmin expectations were high but OPMs faced a long trip home disappointed.
Ian Stone (Captain)
Score: Truro A 2-0 O.P.M.
14/10/2000 (H) vs Plymouth University A
Plymouth were confident after heavily beating Marjons the week before and OPMs were coming off a defeat against Truro A. The game started at a very fast pace and it was the home side that started the brighter. Within the first five minutes OPMs had two short corners that narrowly went wide. Plymouth looked flustered with the home side going forward especially with the front two of Chris Vinson and Kev Willcock causing havoc in the University defence. The Uni did look dangerous on the break but the three Ians (Stone, Johnson and Iain Ings) looked solid. As the first half went on OPMs looked more and more dangerous and finally took the lead through Kev Willcock, after a good link with Ian Pring and Chris Vinson. The Uni came back strong but the home midfield was playing well and counter attacked well. OPMs piled on the pressure and a second goal came from Willcock after a great cross from Gary Tuckett and good play from Vinson. Plymouth were looking on the back foot but still looked good on the break.
After half time the University poured forward and their first goal was not long in coming, the ball was not cleared and the Uni took the goal well. OPMs were not dismayed and attacked from the push back and after a goal mouth struggle and flick was awarded, the Uni complained and their keeper needed to be calmed down and the decision was reversed to a short corner. After this OPMs seemed to be knocked back and the Uni's equaliser came soon after. After receiving the ball at the top of the D they stroked it past Paul Mingo in goal. The Uni sensed the advantage and their third goal came soon after the second, the ball was saved but fell to a forward who picked his spot. OPMs tried to get the equaliser but it did not come.
None of the OPMs player should be ashamed with how they played today, all gave everything they had, and on another day they would have won. Thanks also to the subs who came but did not play, with such a close game it was difficult to swap players.
Ian Stone (Captain)
Score: O.P.M. 2-3 Plymouth Uni A
OPM Scorers: Kev Willcock (2)
21/10/2000 (A) vs Marjons A
Both sides needed a win after disappointing defeats in the past few weeks. OPMs were missing a couple of experienced players but hopes were high.
OPMs had the push back and immediately were in the attacking mood. Chris Vinson and Kevin Willcock attacked within the first minute and had 4 short corners awarded. On the 4th corner. Gary Tuckett had a good shot saved and Ian Pring was there to put the ball away next to the post. Marjons attacked right away and earned a short corner. The ball was struck past keeper Paul Mingo and Marjons were equal.
OPMs were not put off and continued to attack. With 20 minutes gone, Gary Tuckett flicked the ball at goal and it was going in before Ian Pring deflected the ball to claim his second. Marjons keeper was making many important saves, but OPMs were in the mood for goals and their third came shortly after. Adam Whiting latched onto a good cross from Kev Willcock to make it 3-1. Kevin Willcock then rounded the keeper to score. At the end of the first half, a short corner was awarded and the whole OPM team came up for the short. Chris Vinson passed the ball to Gary Tuckett who was about to try and shot at goal when Captain Ian Stone stroked the ball home past the Marjons keeper. OPMs went into half time 5-1 up and confidence was high.
Marjons came at the visiting side from the start and OPMs were placed on the back foot, Kevin Baker and Ian Stone managed to keep them out. After some good play OPMs were awarded a long corner, Ian Pring crossed the ball well and Adam Whiting was there to score his second. Marjons came forward and scored a second from a short corner. Marjons were awarded 10 shorts in the second half and after the 8th Ian Pring was warned to calm down (allegedly), then captain Ian Stone lost his head with one of the Marjons forwards and a scuffle followed with players from both teams calming things down. For reasons unknown Ian Stone was only warned about his behaviour and no card was given. Marjons scored from a short corner soon after.
The game finished Marjons A 3-6 O.P.M. - a very physical match but a well earned 3 points for the visiting side. One point to note is that Chris Frude broke his hand during the course of the game and is out for the foreseeable future.
Ian Stone (Captain)
Score: Marjons A 3-6 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Ian Pring (2), Adam Whiting (2), Ian Stone, Kev Willcock
28/10/2000 (H) vs PGSOB A
Both OPMs and PGs had a less than full strength team for the fixture, and OPMs capitalised early on with a superbly taken reverse-stick shot from Chris Vinson. PGs had the chance to equalise minutes later when a penalty stroke was awarded after a short corner shot hit Jason Sweby's leg on the line, but captain & stand-in 'keeper Iain Ings saved well.
The game continued to stay reasonably balanced, especially due to a tireless & noteworthy performance from Steve Kennard who kept PG's Matt Mercer practically out of the game. Kev Willcock had a few chances despite being alone up front, but eventually it was a penalty corner later in the half put the OPMs further ahead when Chris Vinson's shot (somewhat fortunately) deflected off Jason Sweby to make it 2-0 at half time.
PGs had all the possession & attack in the second half with OPMs only being able to defend attack after attack, so much so that substitutions were regularly made to keep the strength up. Mike Chetwynd eventually broke the PGs deadlock mid-way through the half after some tired defending, but resilient defending after numerous penalty corners from Ian Pring & Ian Johnson, plus more fine saves from Iain Ings, ensured the OPMs maintained the 1 goal margin. One special mention should be made to Chris Woodall whose arial attempt ended up with the ball on the ground and him in the air. Nice.
There was some relief in hearing the final whistle as PGs were on the verge of another short corner, and some very thankless tasks were performed in order to claim the 3 points.
Jason Sweby.
Score: O.P.M. 2-1 PGSOB A
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby
04/11/2000 (H) vs Truro
This match came on the back of two wins for OPMs, whilst Truro had a rest week last week when their game was cancelled. OPMs were missing 5 players.
The game started with OPMs attacking the sea end with a strong sun in their eyes. Truro started well and OPMs fielded a new look defence of Captain Ian Stone, Kev Baker and new boy Nick Bradley. It took time for the home side to settle down and Truro took the lead on 10 minutes with a well taken reverse shot from their centre forward. OPMs started to come back into the game with Ian Pring and Gary Tuckett playing solidly in the midfield. Kev Willcock up front found it difficult on his own but when given the space was allways a threat. Truro always looked strong on the attack and but for some desperate defending and good saves from Paul Mingo they would have gone further ahead.
The second half started strongly for the home side, the earlier sun that was played into was covered by clouds and Truro had no worries in seeing the game. OPMs went on the attack and the visiting keeper made some good saves from Kev Willcock and Ian Pring. Truro extended their lead halfway through the second half with another goal from their centre forward. This was the time for the home team to lose their heads for a while and at times the clearing in defence was comical. OPMs started to get things back together and pressed for a goal. Ian Pring was playing with great skill and determination but Truro scored their third near the end and a hat-trick for their centre forward. Jason Sweby, Dave Couch and Adam Whiting all made good runs but the score stayed the same.
3-0 was a slightly disappointing result for the home team who played well at times but at other times seemed to lose their heads. It was good to see the three young lads of Luke Petterson, Chris Tremblitt and John Hutchings playing well and making important tackles.
Ian Stone (Captain)
Score: O.P.M. 0-3 Truro
11/11/2000 (A) vs Tavistock
After last week's defeat at the hands of the second-placed club in the league, OPMs played away to Tavistock and ended the top club's 100% record this season with a 1-1 draw. A typically hard fought match was reasonably open for the first 20 minutes and saw OPMs take the lead midway through the first half with a powerful short corner goal from Duncan Rutherford. A succession of short corners, around a dozen, followed but Tavistock failed to reply in the first half thanks largely to some excellent defending on the corners by Messrs Pring, Tuckett, Johnson & Whiting, whilst Paul Mingo in goal played solidly and kicked very well.
Early in the second half, Tavistock picked up a short corner which initially broke down but was rebuilt; Gary Tuckett saved a shot off the line only for it to rebound straight into the path of an oncoming Tavistock player who equalised. The home side continued to push even harder after that but to no avail, despite coming close when another shot was spectacularly cleared off the line by Tuckett again. Duncan Rutherford's unenviable man-marking job made a significant difference to the shape of the Tavistock attack & OPMs finished with a flurry having 5 short corners after the final whistle; unfortunately, they failed to convert.
New foreign signing Jan Tilmmann debuted brightly and all in all it was a result that OPMs can be happy with.
Jason Sweby (Captain)
Score: Tavistock 1-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Duncan Rutherford
18/11/2000 (H) vs Okehampton
OPMs had a strong team but were missing Ian Pring who was suffering from a back injury & Kev Willcock who had flu. The game started at a fast pace with Chris Vinson and Duncan Rutherford looking very dangerous up front. Okehampton were on the back foot from the start with these two causing trouble at the heart of the defence, but against the run of play Okehampton took the lead on their first attack after about 10 minutes. Within minutes, a reverse-stick shot from OPM's Chris Vinson levelled the game and 5 minutes later, Vinson scored with a reverse stick shot again from an impossible angle. An unmarked Jason Sweby made it 3-1 and Adam Whiting scored a wonderful reverse-stick goal, and potential Goal of the Season candidate, just before half-time.
At the start of the second half changes were made in the OPMs team with Adam Whiting replacing Nick Bradley at right back and Steve Kennard coming onto the left wing. The usual poor play after the break for OPMs did not materialise as they continued to dominate in the second half but several chances were wasted despite good play down the right-hand side. Finally, Jan-Christan Tilman got on the end of a Gary Tuckett pass to make it 5 to the home team.
Okehampton then pressed hard for another goal but good defending from Ian Stone and Ian Johnson kept them out. Colin Bishop had a great game in the midfield. Duncan Rutherford and Jan Tillman were always a menace to the visitors and OPMs deserved their win.
Ian Stone (Captain)/Jason Sweby
Score: O.P.M. 5-1 Okehampton
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2), Jason Sweby, Adam Whiting, Jan Tilman
25/11/2000 (A) vs Plymouth A
OPMs moved to a 3 game unbeaten run with an great win over Plymouth A. Plymouth were on a high after a thrilling win against Marjons the week before. The game started evenly with both sides causing problems. The Plymouth forwards, showing great skills, caused the defence great problems and short corners were given away for needless challenges. OPMs were looking dangerous but it was the home team who took the lead after a well taken short corner. OPMs equalised through a Gary Tuckett strike from a short corner passed from good play from Chris Vinson midway through the first half. After good play down the right side, Jan-Christian Tilman crossed the ball for Kev Willcock to tap home. Plymouth levelled the game shortly after and were starting to dominate the mid-field despite the efforts of Ian Pring. Just before the half time whistle Chris Vinson gave OPMs the lead with a well taken goal.
The second half was a lot tighter and both teams had chances to score. OPMs continued to give away silly freehits and shortcorners, but good saves from Paul Mingo and good defending from Adam Whiting kept the home side out. Plymouth's very skillful forwards sensed that they could win the game and started to pour forward but with only a few minutes left Kev Willcock scored a good goal to give OPMs a two goal cushion. Ian Johnson received a green card for an elbow in the back of a Plymouth forward and Chris Vinson received one for answering back to the umpire. With one minute to go Kev Willcock had a brilliant shot saved by the Plymouth keeper who was unlucky to concede a short corner. At the whistle Plymouth were awarded a short corner, all the Plymouth team came up but the ball was cleared.
OPMs were awarded 16 short corners compared to Plymouth's 8. It was good to see the return of Chris Frude who played well down the left wing. Also it was good that the other players turned up but did not get a game, with a game that close it is difficult to bring new players on.
Ian Stone (Captain) / Jason Sweby
Score: Plymouth A 2-4 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Gary Tuckett, Kev Willcock (2), Chris Vinson
Ian Johnson, Chris Vinson
02/12/2000 (A) vs Bodmin
OPMs went into the Christmas break with three consecutive wins after defeating Bodmin away on a rain soaked pitch. As in the past few weeks, OPMs dominated the opening play and were a goal up within the two minutes after skipper Jason Sweby scored from a saved Chris Vinson shot.
After that, the game levelled out and both sides were guilty of wasting chances, although leading into the break OPMs began to build up the pressure again. Bodmin's first equaliser came early in the second half when OPMs defence was caught in disarray and a good finish levelled the game. The away side took this on board and began to push forward more convincingly, and took the lead again when defender Nick Bradley's cross was pushed in by a Bodmin defender.
Bodmin equalised again shortly after with a brilliantly taken first time strike, Ian Pring was green carded for dissent. But OPMs got into gear and Kevin Willcock and Chris Vinson worked well together to produce a goal for Vinson. After that, although OPMs had a few chances, one of which produced a disallowed goal, they were on the back foot and the final whistle came as some relief.
Jason Sweby (Captain)
Score: Bodmin 2-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby, Nick Bradley, Chris Vinson
Ian Pring
09/12/2000 (H) vs PGSOB C (Friendly)
OPMs used this game to provide those players who had not played too many matches so far this season a chance to enjoy a full game, whilst some of the more senior players enjoyed the occasion to try and play in new positions - Chris Frude will be returning to the left-wing position after his attempts at defending.
For the most part, the game was reasonably matched, PG's failed to score some golden chances and OPM's constant reshuffling of the side in order to give everyone a game disrupted their own flow. The score was 0-0 at half time and neither side had particularly deserved to be in front, although it was apparent by then that the objectives of the two teams were very different.
The second half saw more of the same and the younger players appeared to get into their stride a little more. There were more missed opportunities by PG's and the late introduction of Ian Pring into the game seemed to change the tide. The OPM players responded with better passing and more organisation, and rather unfairly, OPMs played the last 10 minutes of the game at full strength, fielding all the senior players and running the show.
A through ball by Gary Tuckett put Jason Sweby one-on-one with the 'keeper and he neatly slid it underneath him for the first goal (even if I do say so myself - Ed) and then a short corner resulted in Ian Pring crossing the ball across the goal line only for Colin Bishop to wildly miss it and Sweby was there to tap it in.
Jason Sweby (Captain)
Score: O.P.M. 2-0 PGSOB C
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby (2)
None unfortunately, not for the want of trying.
11/12/2000 (A) vs Marjons 1st XI (Devon Cup Round 1)
OPMs were soundly beaten by a Marjons 1st XI side several divisions above them in the driving rain. They started brightly despite Marjon's excellent passing and possession, and a break after 15 minutes saw a lightning cross from Chris Vinson reached for and pushed home by Kevin Willcock. Almost immediately, Marjons responded with a neat goal, and it was not too long before they scored again. OPMs earned a short corner before the break and Vinson smashed the ball home to level, but the home side made it 3-2 before the whistle.
The second half did not start as well, and OPMs had conceded a fourth within minutes. OPMs pulled one back at 5-2 down when Vinson scored again from the penalty spot, but it was downhill after that. As OPMs became dejected, Marjons increased their possession and despite Gary Tuckett's reorganisation of the defence, the goals continued to fly in. The final straw came when a second Marjons penalty stroke saw the 'Jons goalkeeper step up to take it and some players saw that as a sign to stop playing. The final whistle came only a minute later. A game we were never going to win but we did ourselves proud in the opening half, everybody had played hard until the game was beyond reach.
Jason Sweby.
Score: Marjons 10-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Kevin Willcock, Chris Vinson (2)
06/01/2001 (H) vs Newquay 1st XI (Friendly)
A friendly fixture against a Newquay side several divisions higher than OPMs provided the first game of the new year and one which provided a wake-up call. The Christmas break had obviously taken its toll on most players' fitness, although given that this was a friendly, the effort may not have been that applied to a league match.
Newquay did not outplay OPMs throughout any stretch of the game but were always better in the last third of the pitch, being 6-0 up at half time with OPMs not finishing off the many chances that came. The second half saw OPMs improve a great deal and Kev Willcock took his two goals in the half very well indeed. Newquay still scored a few more goals, despite the valliant efforts of trial 'keeper Matthew Watson-Broughton. Also of note was new player Tom Wood.
After a heavy defeat to Marjons in the Devon Cup, OPMs need to put in a lot of effort to kick-start the league campaign again next week at home to Truro A.
Jason Sweby.
Score: O.P.M. 2-10 Newquay
OPM Scorers: Kevin Willcock (2)
13/01/2001 (H) vs Truro A
OPMs kick-started their league campaign in the new year with a fine 5-1 win over Truro A. It was a game which the home team dominated for the most part, despite some complacency during the later stages of the game.
Most of the first half was played with OPMs in attack, and they opened their account after just ten minutes when Chris Vinson found himself with space in the D to slot home. After more good build up play, the second goal came from Kevin Willcock who superbly converted a cross from Vinson into the top of the goal.
The lead was increased not long after when a cross from right-winger Jason Sweby, who had earlier missed a golden chance, found Willcock, who passed the ball onto Vinson for him to get his second.
Within minutes of the second half starting, Jan Tillmann punished the Truro defence for leaving him too much space when he found the bottom corner of the goal from the edge of the area. At this point, OPMs stepped down a gear and some sloppy play all round gave Truro players over in attack and they scored. OPMs had the last laugh though when Willcock scored his second after one of many quick breaks.
Jason Sweby (Captain)
Score: O.P.M. 5-1 Truro A
OPM Scorers: Kevin Willcock (2), Chris Vinson (2), Jan Tillmann
20/01/2001 (A) vs Plymouth University A
A first half hat-trick from Chris Vinson and a second half hat-trick from Kevin Willcock gave OPMs a massive victory over a Plymouth University A side who were previously placed one point and one place above them.
OPMs started brightly, playing the opening 10 minutes in their opponent's half. A series of missed chances ended when Duncan Rutherford's free hit into the area only needed a touch from 'skipper Jason Sweby to open the account. The University then capitalised on OPMs going to sleep, and within minutes had scored an equaliser.
After a spell of level play, a break from the OPMs saw Sweby cross the ball into the area which Chris Vinson rifled home, and from the restart, OPMs picked up possession, and the same two players teamed up again to score an almost identical goal. Vinson scored again just before half time, this time off a pass from Kevin Willcock.
The University came out fighting in the second half, but Kevin Willcock scored his first of the game to make it 1-5 to OPMs. The home side fought back to make it 2-5 with more poor play from OPMs, but the visitors made it six when Vinson's shot was parried by the Uni 'keeper and Willcock was there to cover drive it home. Gary Tuckett then made another of his speciality goal-line clearances to keep the home side scoring again.
Once again, Uni hit back and scored a third, and looked like they were capable of scoring more and making a good finish to the game, but Willcock scored his third from a break having lost the ball several times and incredulously winning it back.
The final score was 3-7, a result which OPMs had deserved in the first half but the second half was more level. Much was owed to both 'keepers, and OPMs' Tim Chalmers made several vital saves.
Jason Sweby (Captain)
Score: Plymouth Uni A 3-7 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson (3), Kevin Willcock (3)
27/01/2001 (H) vs Marjons A
OPM's six-game unbeaten league run ended after playing a Marjons A side which contained more than a fair share of first team players. Within minutes the away team had gone ahead when quick passing and running ended with Ian Johnson being forced to concede an own-goal.
Not long after, the first of three penalty strokes for the afternoon was awarded, when home 'keeper Tim Chalmers smothered the ball with his hand, which was scored. After this, OPMs regrouped and passing between themselves saw a good share possession and when Kevin Willcock and Chris Vinson found themselves 2 on 2 in attack, Willcock's pass to Vinson was dispatched to make it 1-2. The game continued fairly evenly for the remainder of the first half, both sides battling hard and OPMs learning fast that the only way to play this side was a passing game. However, a third Marjons goal before half time took them into the break with a two goal advantage.
A small reshuffle in the second half gave OPMs more substance in midfield. Within minutes of the restart, more battling play from OPMs put a lot of pressure on the Marjons defence and gave them a goal from Willcock. A penalty stroke was then awarded to the home side, but Vinson's flick failed to level the game.
Marjons piled on the pressure at this point and excellent defending from Messrs Stone, Tuckett and Whiting kept the goals out, including good saves from Chalmers and another speciality goal-line clearance from Gary Tuckett. However, eventually Marjons broke through to make it 4-2, and then again to make it five.
Once again, the game evened up, Ian Johnson working well in defence when replacing Ian Stone, and Ian Pring making most of the play. Several good moves down both the left and right hand sides of the field, especially Chris Frude who battled hard on the left, gave OPMs a third goal from Willcock, and more could have come when Vinson put Jason Sweby through only for the 'keeper to save it and then Vinson's own shot landing just on the roof of the net. The game was killed off when Gary Tuckett's second goal line clearance was with his foot, and the resulting penalty stroke to Marjons was put away.
Jason Sweby (Captain)
Score: O.P.M. 3-6 Marjons A
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Kevin Willcock (2)
03/02/2001 (A) vs PGSOB
OPMs picked themselves up from last week's defeat at home to Marjons A with a less than comfortable 3-0 win over PGSOB A. With a patched up defence in the absence of some key players, OPMs endured a 20 minute onslaught at the beginning of the game where the ball never left their half. Despite OPMs giving the ball away and nearly all players losing their position, PG's rarely looked like finishing, largely due to the hard work of the defence of Ian Pring, Ian Johnson and Adam Whiting.
Eventually, the away side reorganised themselves, the game levelled out and become a very open affair. After 25 minutes, a defensive mistake by PGs allowed Chris Vinson a one-on-one with the 'keeper, and although the first shot was saved, Vinson was alert to the rebound and scored. The game stayed open, the home side using the width of the pitch much more than OPMs but the away defence and midfield had settled enough by this time to prevent any real danger to their goal and the half finished 0-1.
OPMs usual trick of starting the second half badly didn't materialise but the game remained open. Good work in the middle from Jan Tillmann led to him putting a through ball in for Vinson, but the resulting shot was cynically stopped on the line by a PGs defender's foot and a penalty stroke awarded. Reluctantly, Vinson stepped up to the stroke, and despite the keeper getting a hand to it, the power forced it over the line. This was a turning point as OPMs then pressed hard. Vinson dropped back to allow Kev Willcock to roam free up front and several long balls to him were superbly brought under control but the PGs defence was too numerous.
A move which ended up with Duncan Rutherford's ball into the D seemed to give Chris Vinson his hat-trick, but the goal was ruled out presumably for lifting into the area. However, the hat-trick did come when he & Willcock attacked brilliantly together which resulted in a goal. After this, PGs pressed hard and ran the last 10 minutes but hard work on everybody's part for OPMs kept them out, notably a great save from 'keeper Tim Chalmers who saved a shot onto the post having already blocked the first attempt.
Ian Johnson was green-carded during the second half for overuse of the shoulder, and special note should go to Chris Frude's performance, turning up at 2:30pm for a 12:30pm push-back.
Jason Sweby
Score: PGSOB A 0-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson (3, 1 pen)
Ian Johnson
10/02/2001 (A) vs Truro
OPMs picked up a well-earned point at league leaders Truro, although it saw them drop to fourth in the league whilst the top two, Truro and Tavistock, are now only one point apart. A bright early period from OPMs saw several short corners, but a legitimate appeal for a penalty stroke being turned down was a turning point when the home side broke away and scored against the run of play.
OPMs didn't let their hosts dominate the game and fought hard, defending superbly. In the second half, a short corner to OPMs gave Jan Tillmann time on the ball which he used to fire home. The game continued aggressively and quickly and was always even; OPMs picked up more short corners and Truro failed to score several good chances. Gary Tuckett's weekly goal-line clearance for OPMs was his most spectacular to date as the ball flew up at him only for him to drive it away with his stick. A draw was a fair result.
Score: Truro 1-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jan Tillmann
17/02/2001 (H) vs Tavistock
OPMs held promotion chasing Tavistock to a 1-1 draw for the second time this season after another display of hard work and determination. Tavistock started brightly and their speed and strength provided an early goal after five minutes, tearing the OPM defence apart. The home side got back into the game with some good breaks down both the left and right flanks but failed to capitalise on some good scoring opportunities and short corners.
The second half began much the same as the first with Tavistock tearing down the middle of the field but missing a golden chance. OPMs passing and movement improved dramatically in the second half, with Kevin Willcock and Chris Vinson linking up well as usual up front. Strong performances at the back by Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson and notably Ian Stone, as well as a good man-marking job by Duncan Rutherford, kept Tavistock from increasing the lead. A facial injury to Ian Pring in the middle of the second half caused some concern for the OPMs as he had held firm in the centre of the field, but the gap was filled and OPMs work rate picked up.
A poor clearance from Tavistock went straight to Jason Sweby who took the ball down the right hand side, into the D and pushed in a cross which several players missed, only for Steve Kennard to pop up at the back post and score his first goal of the season to cap his good second half display. The home side then continued to work tirelessly winning more of the ball and passing well, but it was Tavistock who earned a short corner as the final whistle went. Tim Chalmers saved the resulting shot brilliantly to end the game level.
Hope you enjoyed the report, Pat!
Score: O.P.M. 1-1 Tavistock
OPM Scorer: Steve Kennard
24/02/2001 (A) vs Okehampton
A dismal performance from OPMs was punished with a deserved defeat to the hands of third-placed Okehampton. The home side did not play too well either but were much more suited to the heavy-sanded pitch than their visitors who never really adapted to the conditions. Always second to the ball and missing Ian Pring, following last week's injury, to control the centre of the field, OPMs were a goal down within 10 minutes despite an early bright patch. The first half remained reasonably open but OPMs were guilty of poor passing and conceeding control too often and a second home goal came following a defensive mix up. It remained 2-0 until half time.
Thanks to good defending, yet again, and some top class saves from Tim Chalmers in goal, the scoreline was kept down. Despite knowing where they were going wrong, OPMs played exactly the same again in the second half whilst Okehampton's dominance increased. There were few real incidents of note except for an Okehampton break which resulted in their third goal, and Ian "Tosser" Stone's comedy attempt to get himself top of the Rogue's Gallery by deliberately tripping a player with his stick; alas for him, no card was issued.
Score: Okehampton 3-0 O.P.M.
(Honourary) Ian Stone
17/03/2001 (H) vs Plymouth A
Version 1
OPMs season finished on a disappointing note as they lost their last game of the season 9-1. This rearranged fixture was played at Bullpoint since HMS Cambridge was closed due to Foot & Mouth. OPMs were missing 5 key players, so a much patched up side saw Nick Langridge coming out of retirement to play as centre forward. The game started off with Ian Johnson playing as sweeper. The first 10 minutes was played at a fast pace with the two experienced Plymouth centre forwards looking very dangerous. The Plymouth umpire made some strange decisions with a short corner for OPMs overturned due to Chris Vinson (acting captain) appealing. Chris looked mystified and the play was brought up ten yards. On his come back game Dave Couch was then yellow carded for making homosexual remarks to the umpire. Ian Johnson was then green carded for a stick tackle. At times OPMs were seen to be walking after the play. At half time the score was 4-0.
In the second half the game started with a good cross to meet Chris Frude on the back post. Plymouth scored almost instantly. Jan Tillmann had a very good game in the midfield taking the Ian Pring role. Nick Langridge linked up well with his son Tom but all the play went for Plymouth. Ian Stone then swapped with Colin Bishop with Ian in an attacking frame of mind. Ian had a goal disallowed after the ball had struck Dave Couch's large size feet. The Plymouth forwards then seemed to score at will and OPMs were glad to hear the final whistle.
Ian Stone (Acting acting captain)
Version 2
The OPMs were missing key players against a Plymouth team who include the ex Devon county centre forward Jon Smith who scored 4 goals. OPMs were four down at half-time, this could have been closer but for the Plymouth 'keeper having a stormer and saving a goal bound shot from Nick Langridge at full stretch, Nick drafted in played up front with all the touches still evident and was unlucky not to score during game. The first half saw ex-Captain Dave Couch on his return, shown the games only yellow for questioning the umpires sexual overtones (THE WORD MINCER COMES TO MIND).
Second half saw OPMs re-organise and they pulled a goal back from a good short corner routine with Chris Frude getting the final touch. Despite some good work in defence by messers Johnson, Stone, Bishop, Bradley and Tillmann, the tide could not be stemmed. Tom Langridge was also just wide with a good effort and the Captain for the game Chris Vinson will have nightmares after beating the 'keeper only for the ball to come back off the post. He will also wonder how the 'keeper saved a goalbound shot off the back of his heal, another day and the score would possibly have been closer.
Credit to Tim Chalmers who kept the score down (under ten) with some good saves late on. This was the last league game and the desire to win was greater from the Plymouth players, although lady luck was for once not on our side.
Rob Logan (Secretary)
Score: O.P.M. 1-9 Plymouth A
OPM Scorer: Chris Frude
Dave Couch
Ian Johnson
24/03/2001 (A) vs PGSOB C
Looking to avenge last week's heavy defeat and finish the season on a good note, there was a good turnout for this friendly away to PG's fourth XI, with Gary Tuckett making himself unavailable to play but turning up anyway. It was good to see Chris Frude turn up at Stonehouse on time on this occasion.
The game looked to have started badly before the push-back when OPMs decided to play Rob Logan as centre-forward, Peter Rutherford taking over his umpiring duties for the first half. A slow start for both sides kept the game reasonably even, but about 25 minutes into the game, PGs scored, at that point with the run of play. This appeared to rattle OPMs who lifted their game considerably and when the ball got played up to Rob Logan, he worked his way towards the D and sent in a lovely cross for Chris Tremblitt to chip home.
OPMs were rampant in the second half, still not playing that well but outshining their lower league opposition. A great strike from Jan Tillmann at the edge of the D made it 2-1, Kev Baker added a third with his first goal of the season and Jason Sweby made it four, popping up at the far post and stealing the goal from Dave Couch, not for the first time. The back line was strong again with Paul Mingo having a good game in goal and Messrs Tuckett, Rutherford (Junior) and Stone as reliable as ever.
Jason Sweby.
Score: PGSOB C 1-4 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Tremblitt, Jan Tillmann, Kev Baker, Jason Sweby