O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB
1st XI Match Reports
Season 2001/2002
26/09/2001 (A) vs HMS Drake, Friendly
If it wasn't for Tim Chalmers in goal, this could have been a lot more than 5-0. OPMs held their own against a side who had several players who ran the game.
Score: HMS Drake 5-0 O.P.M.
29/09/2001 (A) vs Liskeard, Friendly
The final training game used to try out some last minute ideas. Good hard work by everybody, better play in the second half almost completely dominating the game despite not capitalising on the two-goal advantage set up in the first half. Gary Tuckett struck from the edge of the area to score the first, and was later felled resulting in a penalty flick, duly well-executed by Chris Frude.
Score: O.P.M. 2-0 Liskeard
OPM Scorers: Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude (pen)
06/10/2001 (H) vs Okehampton, South-West Division 1
OPMs kicked off the new league campaign with a deserved home win over Okehampton. Dominating from the outset, the first goal came inside 5 minutes when Paul Rushton fired home after some good build up play from the home team. More pressure followed resulting in a string of short corners, of which one, in the 14th minute, produced the second goal after a stinging shot from Chris Vinson was deflected in by Rushton again.
Okehampton began the second half brightly and fiercly but failed to breakdown the solid OPM defence. A break some moments later from the OPMs saw Jason Sweby with a golden opportunity but his stick was hooked away by an Okehampton defender; Chris Frude was unlucky not to convert the resulting penalty flick with a fine save from the away 'keeper. Okehampton continued to pile on the pressure but never really got themselves past the defence to create shooting opportunities, helped by Gary Tuckett sweeping and goalkeeper Tim Chalmers who was always on the ball if it got through. A goal-line clearance from Ian Stone after a goal-mouth scramble late on ensured that OPMs kept a clean sheet.
Score: O.P.M. 2-0 Okehampton
OPM Scorers: Paul Rushton (2)
13/10/2001 (H) vs Marjons of Plymouth C, South-West Division 1
by Gary Tuckett
OPM started the game much the brighter of the two sides with good movement from both wings, especially down the right with Jason Sweby. Several goal scoring chances were made with Chris Vinson coming closest to scoring only to bring out good saves from the Marjons' goalie.
Good short corner moves should have brought reward but it wasn't until about 15-20 minutes into the game when another good move down the right and a good cross from Sweby, saw Vinson getting his first goal. This really got OPMs going and some good work down the other wing by Chris Frude & Paul (Chopper) Rushton was quickly followed by the second goal, also scored by Vinson. OPM didn't let up and were soon on the attack again with good inter play from Sweby, Chopper & Peter (Frog) Newman which saw the ball into the opponent's D once more with Froggy getting his goal. OPM then seemed to get over confident and Marjons only had a few attacks, which were dealt with easily by the back four, messrs Ian Stone, Ian Johnson, Tim Morgan & the sweeper Gary (The Hat) Tuckett.
One of these attacks saw Morgan pulling up with hamstring problem to be replaced by Adam Whiting, The OPM goalie, Tim Chalmers, had a quiet game, only making a couple of saves and wasn't really troubled. OPM finally got back into attack mode and another good move down the right resulted in Vinson getting his hat-trick, the score 4-0 by half time.
The second half saw OPM on the attack straight away working the ball swiftly through the mid field by Froggy & Chopper. A good cross from Frudey was finished of by Vinson to claim his fourth. OPM continued to pressure and even the defence were getting forward with Stoney getting into the D to strike home a shot and get his goal (lucky bastard).
This seem to relax OPM who came under more pressure with Marjons' best move down the right, crossed into the D with a shot blazed wide of the goal. All the rest of their attacks were dealt with by Chalmers, Tuckett & co. OPM then regained their scoring touch with Sweby striking home a shot to score OPM's seventh. Another break down the left saw Vinson beat the last man to go one on one with the goalie. After keeping the ball under control and pulling the goalie to the edge of the D, the goalie finally fouled Vinson resulting in a penalty flick being awarded which was dispatched with aplomb by Frudey resulting in OPM's final goal, 8 in total. This could have been a lot more apart from some good keeping from the Marjons' goalie. Vinson & Sweby both missed howlers which were easier to score than miss.
A good debut for Matt Board in the first team - a shaky start but he grew in confidence by the end of the game and could have had a couple of goals himself but didn't convert his chances. There remains only one person not mentioned, Dave Couch, who came on mid way through the second half for Johnson. A very pleasing result well played everyone.
Score: O.P.M. 8-0 Marjons of Plymouth C
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (4), Pete Newman, Jason Sweby, Ian Stone, Chris Frude (pen)
20/10/2001 (A) vs PGSOB A, South-West Division 1
OPMs were seconds away from a hard fought away victory at PGSOBs but in the end had to settle with the draw. The game began as expected, with PGs coming out fast and hard and dominating the play, but failing to get themselves into any clear scoring positions. Throughout the first half, OPMs never really looked like getting hold of the game and once PGs had control, it was down to staunch defending and some inspired goalkeeping from Tim Chalmers that kept the game goalless at half-time. Pete Newman's aggressive rhetoric on the opposition umpire gained him a lecture but failed to earn him a card, although his intentions reflected the mood of the rest of the OPM side.
The second half was a totally different game. Although PGs began in the same manner, OPMs had reshuffled with good effect. A PGs attack broke down and Kevin Willcock carried the ball some 30 yards before releasing Jason Sweby on the right wing, who launched an immediate cross in which Chris Vinson was on the end of to push home. For some ten minutes or so, OPMs worked harder than ever to keep the lead and really applied pressure to PGs who were making a lot of unforced errors. Not entirely against the run of play, an equaliser came and the game hotted up. Ian Pring began another break, and his delivery, whilst intended for the running Sweby, landed perfectly for Vinson to smash home for OPMs second. Again, PGs battled back, but by this point OPMs were becoming increasingly frustrated with the opposition's umpiring decisions. A succession of penalty corners were awarded to the home team, from which the second equaliser came.
Incredibly, OPMs hit back for a third time. Good build up play from the back, moving down the left with Chris Frude and ending with Vinson crossing for Pring saw a chance go begging, only for Willcock to spring up and fire in a goal. For the remaining five minutes, OPMs held their ground and defended in numbers to prevent the draw. Predictably, with seconds on the clock, the opposition umpire awarded a very harsh penalty corner to PGs who scored, followed swiftly by the final whistle.
Score: PGSOB A 3-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2), Kevin Willcock
27/10/2001 (H) vs USHC Plymouth A, South-West Division 1
by Gary Tuckett
After much deliberation because 4 teams turned up at 4.30 to play, OPM took to the astro to play US with only 10 players. For Frudey as V Capt. it was not a good start - all bad things come in threes - he even forgot to ring the pub for after the game!
OPM started well, defending everything US threw at them. They even had a few good chances themselves once Chris Vinson woke up (he was playing like he'd spent the night in a graveyard). Some good attacks should have brought reward but Vinson & Willcock just couldn't finish them off. Help was on hand as the eleventh player turned up. OPM broke again with Frudey (who can't play on the right) breaking, sending the ball across to Chopper (who can't play on the left) only to see Vinson smash the ball home to give OPM a well-deserved lead. Half time came, thank god, as OPM were not at their best but hanging on.
Some changes were made; Frudey and Chopper swapped sides giving a better balance but the inevitable happened and a short corner to US resulted in a fierce shot goal bound which was missed by goalie Chalmers. Then last year's goal-line king, Tuckett, saw the ball fly past him at 2 mph, sticks were flying in disgust. OPM seemed to settle and took command for a minute. Some good work by Johnson, who played up through the mid field to Pring & Frog Newman, saw a short corner awarded. A good move saw the ball finally put away by Willcock, 2.1 OPM lead.
After good defending and a lot of shouting (I know I know I f*****g know) and good keeping by Chalmers, OPM were hanging on to their lead. End to end play saw OPM have a shot saved on the line by the body of a US defender - a penalty flick was awarded. After some conflab over who would take it, Frudey (who was still having a bad day) did the captain's thing and put aside all his troubles of before the game and slotted the ball home. 3.1. All in all a crap game, very scrappy, but a good victory if we play like that and still get results! It can't be all bad, still top of the league for now!
Score: O.P.M. 3-1 USHC Plymouth A
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Kevin Willcock, Chris Frude (pen)
03/11/2001 (A) vs St Austell, South-West Division 1
by Gary Tuckett
Frudey in charge again waiting at the Tamar Bridge. 'I’ve got twelve players', he said with a smile, ten turn up!! Every-one with a mobile began ringing around to get an eleventh player. Adam came to the rescue (many thanks to Adam’s girl friend for letting him play, I hope you got the big bunch of flowers. If not please tell us and we will beat the crap out of him) sorry, to the game.
We get to St Austell and find the pitch with all eleven players intact. Vinson looks at the opposition. They don’t look very good. We start the game. St Austell pass the ball very well, a bit like PG’s, but there’s no real thrust on goal, very pretty to watch which the defence did, for most of the first half. OPM’s playing with a sweeper and Vinson up front on his own, not a great spectacle, crowd would have probably fallen asleep by half time. Some bright play and a couple of saves by Chalmers in the O.P.M. goal followed swiftly by one glaring miss by St Austell. Then Frudey, nearing half time popped up in the D to strike home the first goal, 1-0 OPM. Frudey then in the D again took another shot on goal, this time striking St Austell’s best player and playmaker in the mouth - fat lip, off he went.
After much deliberation in the half time team talk, Vinson decided we ought to change tactics and go for the second goal. So with no sweeper, back three, two up front, more pressure for the defence, when the inevitable happened. St Austell scored, not bad marking, just one of those things! We attacked well after this only to see Frudey’s shot saved on the line by Johnson what he was doing there I don’t know? Another not very eventful game but a point away from home that should have been three. 1-1 not the end of the world still unbeaten.
Score: St Austell 1-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Frude
10/11/2001 (H) vs Tavistock, South-West Division 1
by Gary Tuckett
O.P.M. with 13 players and Tuckett on his way, game started. I missed the first ten minutes so can’t comment but understand OPM were on the rack with good pressure from Tavy, a good save from Chalmers, I gather. OK, now I can comment properly. I’m on the pitch and replace Adam at the back sweeping again, end to end stuff at a very fast pace. Tavy are a very strong, physical side. O.P.M. are not in their stride yet, still trying to figure out who they are marking. Pringy & Frog combining well and OPM starting to play. Good work by Tom Langridge (second team cap’t having a debut in the first), good cross saw Vinson put the ball home. 1-0 OPM.
Tavy now seem to take control. They find lots of space in the mid-field. A good break sees a Tavy player in the D. Whiting across to defend but shot fired into corner 1-1. Chalmers should have saved it (his words at half time). Tavy now seem to get on top and before half time the same player in the same place makes a fierce strike that was unstoppable. 2-1 Tavy. OPM then went on the attack. Good movement from the mid-field, working it into the D saw Vinson turn, shoot goal wards, then it came out to Frog who converted only to have it ruled out because seconds earlier Vinson controlled with back stick. Don’t know why nor does Vinson know what he did wrong but no goal. Half time.
Team talk. Second half agreed we need to stable up mid-field. Pring to centre-half to balance the team better. OPM look good, Pring, Frog, Frudey playing well. Good runs from Johnson saw ball flash across Tavy D but no reward. Bad tackle at other end by Stoney gives Tavy short corner. Same player, same place, other end this time, 3-1 Tavy. He won’t strike those two last goals any better all season. Unlucky Chalmers, even I didn’t see the last one (Tuckett). OPM had their fair share of the play after this and some short corners of their own which were well executed, but only one converted by Willcock. A good short which Tuckett stops, Vinson shot, Willcock deflected it home. 3-2, OPM push forwards looking for the equalizer. More balls flash across Tavy D, still not converted though. Tavy break good work by Tuckett keeping Tavy danger man Carl at bay, only to see another Tavy forward put the ball home 4-2. This is how it ended. Top of the table clash, well done Tavy, unbeaten run ends.
Score: O.P.M. 2-4 Tavistock
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Kevin Willcock
17/11/2001 (A) vs Marjons of Plymouth B, South-West Division 1
No match report
Score: Marjons of Plymouth B 3-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Frude (2 pens)
Chris Vinson
24/11/2001 (H) vs Truro A, South-West Division 1
OPMs are back to winning ways with a mixed performance against an under-strength Truro A side. In a game during which OPMs had almost all of the possession throughout, there were periods of either trying to hard or absolute brilliance. Frustration set in when OPMs failed to open the scoring after 15 minutes despite a series of reasonably well-crafted build ups, including Paul Rushton hitting the post, but eventually players seemed to settle themselves into the game and Chris Vinsons' opener came as something of a relief. A bright 10 minute spell followed, during which the passing and the support play improved dramatically and, after a patient build up, Gary Tuckett found skipper Jason 'Spitfire' Sweby in the area who slid the ball around the Truro goalkeeper for the second. From the push-back, Sweby intercepted a weak Truro defensive pass and, one on one with the 'keeper, pushed it through his legs for an instant third. The best play, and goal, of the game came a few minutes before half-time when, after more good team build up, Ian Johnson moved into space and delivered an inch-perfect pass to Vinson, who took the ball out wide, into the area and pushed it across the face of the goal for Ian Pring to smash home for his first of the season.
The second half started slowly, and OPMs were caught napping when Truro broke well and scored a soft defensive goal. OPM 'keeper Tim Chalmers created a bit of excitement when he received a pass-back and promptly kicked it out to a Truro attacker, but redeemed himself with a fine save. OPMs got themselves back into the game but seemingly failed to find the space afforded to them by Truro. Possession was maintained however, and eventually tireless Ian Pring returned the favour of his goal by crossing in from the right for Vinson to claim his second. OPMs failed to convert the numerous short corners they were awarded, but eventually the sixth goal came when Chris Frude scored his 5th goal in as many games.
A special mention goes to Frude who, it transpires, caused a member of the St Austell team to have 11 stitches in his mouth after their 1-1 draw earlier in November.
Score: O.P.M. 6-1 Truro A
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2), Jason Sweby (2), Ian Pring, Chris Frude
01/12/2001 (A) vs Plymouth University A, South-West Division 1
OPMs failed to score for the first time in the league this season in a game where, as before, the battling second half performance was not enough to overcome the damage done in the first half.
Score: Plymouth University A 2-0 O.P.M.
08/12/2001 (A) vs Okehampton, South-West Division 1
OPMs took the lead twice but in the end had to settle for a draw, and in fact were lucky not to lose. The away side came out of the traps well and earned a few short corners from some early pressure, but the game balanced itself out. OPMs started putting some solid passing together, and when Pete Newman crossed the ball in for Chris Vinson, Vinson pushed it into the path of Tom Langridge who no made no mistake, calmly sweeping it past the Okehampton 'keeper. The home side were not down for long. As an attack broke down, OPMs looked to clear but instead gave the ball away & found themselves under pressure and undermanned, Ian stone was beaten & the home side scored. OPMs pushed a little harder, earning a few more short corners which were better executed than recent weeks. One penalty corner came as a result of a blatant push on Vinson in the D which should have been a stroke. Moments later, a quickly taken free hit outside of the Okehampton area was pounced upon by Chris Frude who scored, only to have the goal disallowed after vehement complaining from the home team about the position of the hit.
OPMs came out stronger, as usual, in the second half, determined to avenge the injustice of the first half. A lengthy period of stalemate followed, until Gary 'The Hat' Tuckett launched a 50 yard ball right through to Vinson who, one-on-one with the 'keeper, finished brilliantly to put OPMs back in the lead. Once again, Okehampton were not behind for long, when a short corner trickled over the line despite Tuckett's best efforts. After this, OPMs were under serious pressure, almost mainly due to the incessant giving the ball away in the final third of the field. Old Boys' 'keeper Tim Chalmers made some top drawer saves to keep OPMs in the game, and Paul Rushton, newly repositioned in defence, made a vital goal-line clearance at body height. Ian Johnson, Pete Newman & Gary Tuckett all worked tirelessly to keep the momentum going. The game became scrappy towards the end and a little unfriendly, but a draw was a fair result in a match which neither team really deserved to win.
A mention should go to Jack Horton & Tom Langridge who were drafted into the 1st XI and played their parts well, two players who may find themsevles more permanent fixtures in the 1st XI squad.
Score: Okehampton 2-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Tom Langridge, Chris Vinson
Paul 'Northern Monkey' Rushton
22/12/2001 (A) vs PGSOB, Devon Cup Round 1
by Pete 'Frog' Newman
This game matched the unrivalled anticipation seen before any game this season. With the web-site chatroom hot with messages of what we were going to do to PG’s!
The game started intensely with PG’s piling on the pressure and OP’s sitting back and generally giving the opposition the run of the park. It was however, a short period of counter attack which saw OPM’s move the ball into the ‘D’ and a stinging shot from Frog was slotted home by Colin Bishop after re-bounding from the keepers pads.
The goal led to some strange defending tactics by the away side who during the course of the next 20 minutes conceded 3 weak goals (mainly due to a lack of communication). PG’s then took their turn to sit back and try to defend their lead, the extra space handed to OPM’s was greatly appreciated and what followed was by far the best period of hockey seen this season. Possession and quick accurate passing resulted in a PG’s soaking up a lot of pressure and several missed chances to cut the deficit seemed to leave OPM’s even more hungry. Eventually the pressure resulted in a score as a piece of brilliance saw Tuckett smash the ball through to Vinson who demonstrated his class by sliding the ball past the PG’s keeper. Unfortunately despite the continued pressure, OPM’s could not find the equaliser and thus had to settle for a defeat as the final whistle blew.
An excellent game which should be inspiration for the second half of the league.
Score: PGSOB 3-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Colin Bishop, Chris Vinson
29/12/2001 (A) vs PGSOB, Friendly
Score: PGSOB 5-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson
12/01/2002 (H) vs Liskeard, Friendly
by Pete 'Frog' Newman
This performance by OPM’s deserves little space on this web-site. The result was a 1-3 defeat by a team 2 leagues below us. On reflection, it’s easy to see that few of those players assembled were ‘up for’ the game and this showed as basic mistakes led to the arguing which we all know is like holding up the white flag. This generalisation should not detract form a couple of individual performances from the likes of Ian J. and Chris V. who stood out from the crowd, the game saw Vinson score for the 5th game in succession. Neither the Captain or the Coach expected this result, especially after the cup game performance. We are both sure that the second half of the season will see us climb the table by playing simple hockey and enjoying ourselves.
Score: O.P.M. 1-3 Liskeard
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (pen)
19/01/2002 (A) vs Marjons of Plymouth C, South West Division 1
by Pete 'Frog' Newman
The 2nd half of the season kicked off in a positive mood with the team expecting a relatively easy run against the weaker Marjons side in the league. OPM’s played well from the start with 110% effort being applied by all 11 players. Passing and possession were good and the result was a hat-full of chances at goal. Unfortunately these chances were not converted and when expecting it least, a quick break from the opposition followed by a blinding shot, which beat Chalmers saw us 0-1 down with only 20 minutes gone. In truth the goal did not disrupt the pattern of play from OP’s perspective, but by half time we still had nothing to show for it!
A simple team talk explaining the theory of hockey ('if we score more goals than them then we will win!') seemed to sharpen up the OPM’s forwards minds as the 2nd half kicked off. With the support from the sidelines screaming for blood (or goals) OP’s were soon on level terms after a couple of missed chances when the teams elder statesman, Ian J crashed the ball home after it came loose in open play. This was all the motivation the away side needed as the team as a whole picked up their efforts. Two more well taken chances by ‘Spitfire’ and little Jack Horton (his first 1st team goal) saw OP’s cruising home, both were the result of good controlled build up play, which the team have been improving upon all season. With the game nearing it’s end and yet with no let up in pressure from the boys in blue, the ball was netted for a fourth time as Chris V went 1 on 1 with the keeper and then beat him from an impossible angle to roof it.
The game finished 4-1, a solid team performance which bodes well for the crunch game next weekend. Special thanks should go out to Ian S who played the entire match whilst injured and against medical advice, and also to a certain vice captain who proved the doubters in the team wrong with an excellent display individual.
Score: Marjons of Plymouth C 1-4 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Jack Horton, Chris Vinson
Chris Frude
26/01/2002 (H) vs PGSOB A, South West Division 1
by Pete 'Frog' Newman
This was the game that in most players minds would determine how we finish in the league this season. With the dubious draw before Christmas and the close loss in the Cup to their 1st team there was only one thing on our minds as we stepped onto the pitch………. REVENGE!!
It was a surprise to line up against a very young looking PG’s side and this combined with the competitive juices already flowing compelled OPM’s to start the game at a pace and quality not yet seen this season (not in the 1st half of a game anyway). Possession was the key in this game and with the team holding formation this became easier all the time. Chances in the opposition ‘D’ were not finished off in the first 20 minutes but this did not effect the teams composure and just as in attack the team performed admirably in defence. PG’s had their chances to take the lead but a combination of OPM’s luck and a top class save by Chalmers in goal saw things remain tight. Defensively the team worked hard and the introduction and work rate of Kennard at left wing was a revelation. The mid-field and defence worked especially well and were held together by the ‘Hat’, Frog and Pring (the latter returning to action after a nasty rib injury in early December). Eventually from the 2nd attacking short corner a clean strike by Vinson was tipped into the goal by Pring. It stayed like that for the remainder of the 1st half.
With the team talk completed OPM’s seemed raring to get on and finish the job in the second half, things did not go quite to plan. PG’s were never going to lie down, they did however allow OPM’s to continue their good work and early on the second goal came thanks to another shot that was tipped in, this time by Horton who picked up his 2nd in successive games. The goal seemed to fire PG’s up and some verbal sledging combined with some poor OPM’s defence saw the visiting side rattle the ‘blues’ and take control for a 10 minute period mid way through the half. They mounted numerous attacks which led to a missed chance or two and then a succession of short corners. Their goal was on reflection inevitable and they came very close to equalising before the home side eventually regained some form of composure to see out the final 10 minutes.
The relief was clear to see and the result was a great one, deserved by all 11 players. There has been a week by week improvement in OPM’s play over the last 2 months. The result is that we are playing better technically and better as a TEAM. We still need to show we can work equally hard for two full 35 minute periods as this result could have been different if not for some nifty defending at decisive points in the second half.
GREAT STUFF BOYS, LETS SEE THIS THING THROUGH TO THE FINISH
Score: O.P.M. 2-1 PGSOB A
OPM Scorers: Ian Pring, Jack Horton
Chris Vinson, Jason Sweby
02/02/2002 (A) vs USHC Plymouth A, South West Division 1
by Pete 'Frog' Newman
After the 11-2 drubbing administered upon the University by the USHC team last week there was some anticipation for this game. Most notably, which US team would show up! It was definitely a strong side that lined up at 13:30 on Saturday afternoon, it contained at least 4 1st team players. This did little to dampen the OPM spirits as recent form has seen a real positive and controlled team atmosphere develop. The game started at pace and things were obviously going to be very tight, it quickly became clear that a moment of brilliance or a fatal mistake would decide the outcome of this match.
Possession was relatively even throughout the 1st half and chances were squandered by both sides. The most notable piece of play was an exceptional full stretch save by the OPM keeper Chalmer’s which saved the defences blushes. The best chance, a penalty flick call, went against OPM’s and the resulting short corner could not be converted as the shot went flying past the post. The half was very hard fought by all 22 players, the OPM’s held their shape very well and probably came into half time just on the upper foot.
After the turnaround US came out with vengeance, this was admirably soaked up by the OPM’s who after regaining composure won a series of short corners. A slick side pass from Vinson saw the Frog flick the ball into goal from a shallow angle only to see it cleared from the line via a defence body. There was no doubt this time as the resultant penalty flick was coolly slotted by Vinson. Predictably this stepped U.S. up another gear and OPM’s dropped more players behind the ball. Things got a little tasty as a few tempers frayed and cards were administered on both sides. The rest of the game was played out in frantic fashion and saw a chance to go 2 up squandered by the centre half. Solid defending co-ordinated by Tuckett at the rear saw OPM’s home and the relief was clear to see as the final whistle blew.
Another top class performance which should worry those teams still to face us over the remaining return matches.
Score: USHC Plymouth A 0-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson (pen)
Gary Tuckett
09/02/2002 (H) vs St Austell, South West Division 1
Score: O.P.M. 2-0 St Austell
OPM Scorers: Jack Horton, Chris Vinson
Tim Chalmers
16/02/2002 (A) vs Tavistock, South West Division 1
Fourth-placed OPMs were a minute away from beating third-placed Tavistock but a late equaliser left the teams level. Chris Vinson opened the scoring for the away team within the opening minute of the game with a well struck short corner. OPMs missed a series of chances in both halves but Tavistock never really looked like scoring apart from set pieces. So it was inevitable that, when a free hit was awarded to Tavistock in the final throes of the game, the leveller came. Both sides had a player yellow-carded, Paul Rushton for the OPMs, although neither dismissal led to any advantage to the opposing side.
Score: Tavistock 1-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson
Paul Rushton
23/02/2002 (H) vs Marjons of Plymouth B, South West Division 1
OPMs stretched their unbeaten run to six games with a comfortable 3-0 home win against Marjons of Plymouth B. The home side dominated the game from the start and took an early lead from a short corner which, having been initially saved from the Marjons 'keeper 'Smudge', was pushed home for Gary Tuckett's first league goal of the season. OPMs maintained a great deal of the possession but some scrappy play gave MoP some good chances to come back into it. These chances were never taken, however, and OPMs found themselves fortunate to be ahead at the break.
OPMs held possession much more in the second half and Chris Vinson smashed home a short corner for his fourth goal is as many games and OPMs' second. The third came from yet another short corner, this time Ian Pring was on the near post to deflect the incoming shot past the 'keeper. The home team had more than half a dozen more chances to score and maintained a huge amount of the ball, eventually running out 3-0 winners and a good win.
Score: O.P.M. 3-0 Marjons of Plymouth B
OPM Scorers: Gary Tuckett, Chris Vinson, Ian Pring
02/03/2002 (A) vs Truro A, South West Division 1
OPMs maintained their unbeaten run away against Truro A but only managed a draw which knocked them out of contention for the play-off place in South West Div 1. Fielding an under-strength side and carrying injuries, OPM defender Paul Rushton, having to play up front, opened the scoring with an early goal. Truro were quickly back in the game when they equalised, thanks to a bouncing ball, but then OPMs skipper Jason Sweby put the visitors back ahead with a shot from the edge of the area. Poor defending from the OPMs then rewarded Truro with a short corner, which, despite a unnoticed foot in the area, was converted. Another bouncing shot moments later put Truro 3-2 ahead.
OPMs played much stronger in the second half and levelled the game deep into the half when Chris Vinson scored for the fifth game in succession. Both sides had chances to score a winner but good goalkeeping at both ends, especially some fine saves by OPMs 'keeper Tim Chalmers, prevented either side from winning.
Score: Truro A 3-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Paul Rushton, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson
09/03/2002 (H) vs Plymouth University A, South West Division 1
OPMs finished the season with a home win against Plymouth University A who only needed to draw to claim the play-off place in South West Division 1. The win, their eighth in a row leaving them unbeaten in the league since early December, came despite being a goal behind after 15 minutes. However, a characteristically strong period towards the end of the first half saw Chris Vinson score his eighteenth league goal of the season from a short corner. Moments later, defender Gary Tuckett scored from another short corner, much to the delight of the Tavistock players-turned-OPM supporters who has earlier lost to United Services 'A' giving the University the opportunity to take second place.
OPMs were in inspired for most of the second half, notably goalkeeper Tim Chalmers and the back line of Ian Johnson, Tuckett and Paul Rushton, and when Chris Frude smashed home his seventh league goal of the season, the game was never in any doubt.
Score: O.P.M. 3-1 Plymouth Uni A
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude