O.P.M. Hockey Club Archive

O.P.M. HOCKEY CLUB

1st XI Match Reports

Season 2003/2004

13/09/2003 (H) vs PSGOB, Friendly

Score: O.P.M. 1-6 PGSOB
OPM Scorers: Jack Horton
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Chris Frude, Tom Wood, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Steve Copper, Luke Patterson

20/09/2003 (A) vs Tavistock, Friendly
OPMs showed a fighting spirit having found themselves 1-0 down at half-time. Jack Horton levelled the game mid-way through the second half which was soon followed by a Phil Wass shot that was stopped on the line by a defender's body; Chris Vinson scored from the penalty spot. Wass then scored after another Vinson shot was saved. Tavistock got one back with a well taken penalty corner, one of 20 for the home side in the game.

Score: Tavistock 2-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jack Horton, Chris Vinson (pen), Phil Wass
Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Tom Langridge
TOTM: Gary Tuckett

27/09/2003 (A) vs Bude, Friendly
OPMs ended the pre-season friendlies with another satisfying away win over last year's South West 1 promotion rivals Bude. OPMs started stronger and were causing the home defence problems early on with Chris Vinson and Jack Allman squandering chances. Despite the game levelling out, OPMs broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a quickly taken side-line hit from Jack Horton which found Vinson on the edge of D and Vinson capitalised on the goalkeeper's poor position with a quick shot. Not long after, Vinson had a chance to for another and whilst the keeper saved it, OPM defender Phil Wass was on hand to drive home the rebound.
The second half started with Bude in control and within five minutes, a cross inside the D was intercepted by Wass who deflected it into his own goal. Bude tried to capitalise but strong defending from Gary Tuckett and Chris Frude, alongside some key saves from OPM goalkeeper and captain Tim Chalmers, kept them out and OPMs had many breaks which they could not make the most of. Eventually though the third goal came when central-midfielder Jason Carr intercepted a poor Bude clearance and drove the ball forward to Vinson in the area who finished with a smash into the top of the goal for his second.
This was a good performance from OPMs who were playing with a couple of key players missing.

Score: Bude 1-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2), Phil Wass
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Jason Carr, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Tom Langridge

04/10/2003 (A) vs Chudleigh, South Division 2
OPMs opened their new season in a higher division with a 3-1 away win against Chudleigh. OPMs opened much the brighter team and were in complete control of the game for most of the first half. Goals were threatened but never came until Gary Tuckett spotted Jason Sweby out in space on the wing. Sweby took the ball to the edge of the D and slipped it past the last defender straight into Chris Vinson's stride for his first goal of the afternoon. Not much later, the away side had scored again when their second short corner of the game was converted with a deft flick from Vinson. Both sides were beginning to tire by the end of the first half but Chudleigh took more advantage of their opposition's tiredness and showed signs of breaking back but half time came before they could prove anything.
The second half started totally differently, Chudleigh battled hard and fast, filling their midfield which left OPMs with problems. OPMs defending was magnificent, with all back three of Chris Frude, Tuckett and Ian Johnson keeping the home attackers out. Most notable was Chris Frude whose tackling at right-back earned him joint man of the match. On the occasions they did get through, 'keeper Tim Chalmers was on hand to totally control his area and make some really fine stops. Eventually, however, the pressure told and Chudleigh broke the lines and scored. Initially, OPMs did not respond too well as the home side continued to apply all the pressure but a breakaway goal soon ended that. A 16-yard hit went to Jack Horton which was neatly wall-passed on to Vinson who went on to round the keeper, the defender and score from a difficult reverse side angle to complete his hat-trick and ensure OPMs the victory.

Score: Chudleigh 1-3 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (3)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Jason Carr, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Tom Langridge
TOTM: Jason Sweby. MOM: Chris Frude & Chris Vinson

11/10/2003 (H) vs Bridgwater, South Division 2
OPMs lost their first league game in 2003 having led Bridgwater at home. In a very even game where many chances were squandered by both sides, OPMs took the lead mid-way through the first half with a Chris Vinson strike after a good spell of pressure. Jason Sweby and Chris Frude both missed chances to double the lead before Bridgwater levelled the game with a one-man run from midfield ending with a cracking drive that went in off the post.
Bridgwater were the stronger side in the second half, dominating the game and penning the OPM defence and midfield in their own half. The home side had a few breaks that didn't amount to much although one was a potential penalty stroke call. Eventually the away pressure told and Bridgwater took the lead with another good strike that beat OPMs' Man of the Match Tim Chalmers who had previously made a series of fantastic saves to keep OPMs in the game. OPMs spirit was never broken and they persevered right to the final whistle but in the end could not get the equaliser.

Score: O.P.M. 1-2 Bridgwater
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Gary Tuckett, Paul Rushton, Chris Frude, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Colin Bishop, Jason Carr, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Tom Langridge
TOTM: Paul Rushton. MOM: Tim Chalmers

18/10/2003 (A) vs Dawlish, South Division 2
OPMs failed to improve on last week's home defeat with a disappointing display at third-place Dawlish. The game opened evenly with both sides pushing to find weaknesses, Jason Sweby in a good position within the opening minutes only to be pushed down just outside the D. Then, inexplicably, OPMs took their pressure off which allowed Dawlish to score within 10 minutes of the start. The home side tried to build on their lead but when OPMs Tom Langridge got himself into a fantastic position but was fouled before the shot was away, Chris Vinson predictably scored the resulting short corner with an excellent reverse drive. The away side dominated the rest of the half and it was a shame for them that the half time whistle came when it did.
The pressure OPMs had at the end of the first half did not roll over into the second and Dawlish were pushing hard from the outset. With OPMs creating no real chances and Dawlish pushing ahead, it was only a matter of time before the home side restored their lead, which they did. OPMs had a chance to level again from another short corner in which Vinson's initial shot was parried by the keeper straight to OPM defender Chris Frude who inexplicably drove his shot wide. Minutes later, Dawlish had an opportunity to score another but this shot was also somehow put just wide despite having beaten the otherwise solid defence of Frude, Gary Tuckett and Johnson and goalkeeper Tim Chalmers. Unfortunately, the third home goal did come when Ian Johnson failed to clear from a free hit and the Dawlish strikers pounced and made the most of the error with a well taken third which killed the game off.

Score: Dawlish 3-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson
Chris Frude
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Colin Bishop, Jason Carr, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman
TOTM: Ian Johnson. MOM: Colin Bishop

25/10/2003 (A) vs Bridport Hawks, South Division 2
OPMs managed to overcome the disappointment of only having 10 players when Colin Bishop failed to turn up again. Each player appeared to take on the mantle of the missing man and for the entire 70 minutes the effort was flawless. Bridport started hard and fast, signalling their intent on a physical and fast game from the outset but OPMs held firm and had three or four chances on the break that were only denied by good goalkeeping from the Bridport 'keeper. Both sides had a penalty stroke appeal turned down in the first half and both sides had opportunties from penalty corners. It was only OPMs, however, who were able to convert any of them: their first of the game rifled home into the bottom left hand corner by perennial goalscorer Chris Vinson. After the goal, Bridport hit back hard and the 10 away men had to defend deep until half time to prevent an equaliser.
The first 10 minutes of the second half started traditionally better for the home side but the defending remain stout and Tim Chalmers was commanding in his goal. Eventually another break from OPMs led to a second goal, good build up play pushed Jack Horton out wide on the left and he released an inch-perfect pass into Chris Vinson's stride who smashed home his second and his 7th of the season. Despite a few more half chances and a couple of poorly executed short corners from OPMs, it was Bridport who had control of the rest of the game, OPMs camped in their own half for the final 15 minutes. With about with 10 min to go, Chalmers was beaten by a shot from a short corner when Ian Stone cleared the ball off the line to be cleared by Ian Johnson, a goal then would have brought them right back into it! The defending remained resolute and all players worked hard to keep Bridport out, although Chalmers was often called upon to ensure OPMs kept their first clean sheet of the season.

Score: Bridport Hawks 0-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson (2)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Johnson, Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jason Sweby, Ian Stone, Keith Pullen, Steve Kennard
TOTM: Jack Horton. MOM: Tim Chalmers/Chris Frude

01/11/2003 (H) vs Plymouth University, South Division 2
OPMs led twice before crashing to a 6-3 home defeat to Plymouth University. The University started strong as expected but were well contained by the OPM back line and central midfielders. Jason Carr limped off with a recurring hamstring injury five minutes into the game and this left OPMs exposed in the middle until positions were changed. Almost the minute Jack Allman entered the pitch, OPMs broke down the middle and Chris Vinson's strike was saved by the Uni keeper only for Allman to score the rebound. Only minutes later, the University equalised with a very well struck goal from the edge of the D flying past all defenders and keeper Tim Chalmers. But OPMs struck again, this time Jack Horton doing some good work down the left side of the pitch before passing to Vinson who worked his way into a scoring position and slammed home his 8th of the season. Matt Taylor was green carded on his 1st team debut for an unorthodox tackle that left both him and the University player sprawled on the floor. On the stroke of the half-time whistle, the Uni were awarded a short corner which they scrambled home to level the game at half time.
The University opened the scoring in the second half, to take the lead for the first time, after a reasonable spell of pressure from OPMs. This pressure allowed them to come back with an equaliser when Jason Sweby earned a long corner. A short ball to Vinson saw him work his way into the D and cross where Tom Langridge did just enough to nick the ball into the roof on the goal. However, OPMs tired and the University punished them with good passing and excellent finishing, three goals in 15 minutes finishing the game off. Chris Frude took a ball to the head during a tackle whilst Sweby earned an elbow in the face moments later. Despite the result, it was not a poor performance from OPMs: Tuckett, Stone and Rushton all had good games, Phil Wass worked very hard in the midfield and Jack Horton covered the midfield and front lines very well, but Chris Vinson picked up OPM's player of the match for a solid performance and another good goal.

Score: O.P.M. 3-6 Plymouth University
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge
Matt Taylor
Team: Tim Chalmers, Gary Tuckett, Chris Frude, Paul Rushton, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Phil Wass, Jason Sweby, Ian Stone, Matt Taylor, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Jason Carr
TOTM: Chris Vinson. MOM: Chris Vinson

08/11/2003 (A) vs East Devon A, South Division 2
OPMs drew away at East Devon A despite leading the game. OPMs dominated the opening 20 minutes of the first half but spurned many chances, only taking one which was a short corner from Chris Vinson. Jason Sweby did score towards the end of the first half but the umpire incorrectly disallowed the goal for hitting his leg rather than the post.
A series of yellow cards in the second half left both sides having to juggle their formations and eventually the away team put home a short corner to level the match. Ian Stone was dismissed for a dangerous tackle in the D whilst Jack Horton was also sidelined for some unknown reason.

Score: East Devon A 1-1 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson
Paul Rushton Jack Horton, Ian Stone
Team: Tim Chalmers, Chris Frude, Paul Rushton, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Phil Wass, Jason Sweby, Ian Stone, Stuart Bennett, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Keith Pullen
TOTM: Keith Pullen. MOM: Stuart Bennett & Jack Horton

15/11/2003 (H) vs Minehead, South Division 2
OPMs lost at home to league leaders Minehead who scored a goal in each half. Chris Vinson came close to an equalier minutes from the end of the first half when his top-corner bound shot was deflected away by a defender's stick. OPMs put more pressure on during the second half and had a series of short corners, all of which were well handled by the Minehead defence. The away side also created some excellent chances which were equalled by the OPM defence and notably goalkeeper and skipper Tim Chalmers who kept the scoreline down. The game came to an early end when OPM defender Paul Rushton went down injured with a suspected knee-ligament injury, adding to OPMs increasing injury list.

Score: O.P.M. 0-2 Minehead
Team: Tim Chalmers, Paul Rushton, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Matt Taylor, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton

22/11/2003 (A) vs North Devon, South Division 2
Newly-promoted OPMs got back on track in the Gerrard League South Division Two with a crucial 2-1 win at North Devon despite trailing 1-0. North Devon scored 15 minutes before half-time with a well-taken strike that left OPMs keeper Tim Chalmers stranded. OPMs had chances before half-time but were a different side in the second half.
A through ball from Chris Vinson towards Tom Langridge saw him get the faintest of touches to deflect the ball past the North Devon keeper for an equaliser. Both sides made chances but Gary Tuckett and Ian Stone were massive in the OPM defence with Chalmers making good saves from dangerous North Devon penalty corners. Eventually, OPMs' fifth penalty corner of the second half was rewarded when Jack Horton deflected the ball towards the post where Jason Sweby was on hand to tuck home the winner and his first goal of the season.
Chalmers said: "It was a very significant result for us - we played hard and showed the OPM fightback spirit". The win lifted OPMs to fifth in the table.

Score: North Devon 1-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Tom Langridge, Jason Sweby
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Stuart Bennett, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Phil Wass, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton
TOTM: Jason Sweby (harsh!). MOM: Ian Stone

29/11/2003 (H) vs Exeter University A, South Division 2
Summary by Ian Stone
Exeter Uni were the best side we have faced so far, much better than Minehead, Gary got hit on the head and had to go off and I went into his position, we all played well but the first goal the player kicked it everyone stopped including his players and he ran on and scored, our fault for not playing the whistle, could not blame Roger as he had lots of players in the way. CV missed a flick against a GK who never done it before, that would have been important as it would have been 3-2 at half time, Phil played well again, i stopped two short corners on the line. If we could have attacked more we could have won but once they stared running there was no stopping them.
We played well, Colin and JC both played well, after Gary went off after receiving a blow to the head I moved to his position and Johnners came back into my position, Phil played well and I thought I did especially from the 2 shortys in the 2nd half. CV scored a good goal and we were right back in it, he put JH through who was then fouled and CV then went to take the stroke, he had to go and fetch the ball from the corner as we were having a team talk, the keeper had never been in goal before and CV put the flick into his pads.
Everyone played well in the second half but we couldnt get the breakthrough, JH was lucky not to get sent off for dissent but CV got him out of that. They scored a really good 4th goal and then CV scored to take it back to 4-2, we were all over them at times but when they broke, they came in numbers and the defence had to work hard and Tim made some crucial saves.

Score: O.P.M. 2-4 Exeter University A
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2)
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Colin Bishop, Stuart Bennett, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Phil Wass, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Matt Taylor

03/12/2003 (A) vs East Devon, Devon Cup Round 1
OPMs aquitted themselves excellently against an East Devon side from South Div 1 who were a different class. The first 15 minutes was all in the OPM half but East Devon never really posed a threat on goal. Then, out of the blue, a hopeful ball from Chris Vinson found Jason Sweby who had run in behind the defence and Sweby slotted the ball under the East Devon 'keeper to give the underdogs the lead. The home side hit back hard though and scored within 5 minutes of the restart before scoring a penalty stroke given away by Steve Kennard. A third from a penalty corner before half time gave the home side a 3-1 lead.
Despite East Devon scoring an early fourth goal from the restart, OPMs then became much the dominant side in the second half. A combination of outstanding defending and goalkeeping mixed with solid midfield play and good running from the forwards meant that most of the second half was spent with the away side attacking. OPMs had half a dozen short corners in the second half and looked dangerous from each one, Chris Vinson scoring from one which was then disallowed as it was adjudged to have been above the 18 inches as it crossed the line; from the next short corner, Jack Horton deflected Vinson's strike into the roof of the net for 4-2. Sweby had the chance to bring it to 4-3 from the next short corner but the goalkeeper had covered the angle. The game ended with a spell of very open play with both sides having good chances although the home side were denied by a series of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Tim Chalmers. Phil Wass was outstanding at the back and picked up the OPM man of the match.

Score: East Devon 4-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jason Sweby, Jack Horton
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Colin Bishop, Stuart Bennett, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Phil Wass, Steve Kennard, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude
TotM: Ian Stone. MoM: Phil Wass.

06/12/2003 (H) vs Chudleigh, South Division 2
OPMs fell behind three times in the match before finally settling it 4-3 to hold on to their fifth place in the league. Chudleigh opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game from a short corner, but OPMs equalised 10 minutes later when Jack Horton fired a quick sideline hit into the D where Tom Langridge ran onto it and struck it first time into the back of the goal. Just before half time however, Chudleigh took the lead again from another short corner despite appeals from OPM 'keeper Tim Chalmers that he was being obstructed.
Neither side appeared to change tactics in the second half but Tom Langridge levelled the game early on with a fabulous cross-cum-strike which left the away defence and keeper stranded. Not to be outdone, Chudleigh took the lead again, once again from a short corner and it looked like that would settle it. OPMs had different ideas however and when Chris Vinson crossed into the area after a strong run, Jason Sweby was on hand to slot it under the keeper and score his third goal in three games. Moments later, Chudleigh gave away a penalty corner during which a player was yellow carded and Vinson's strike onto Jack Horton's angled stick ended up in the roof of the goal for OPMs fourth. It was Jack Horton's first league goal this season, a mirror image of his cup goal last Wednesday. The last 5 minutes were frantic, Sweby had another chance to score from a short corner but it was mostly Chudleigh attacking. Tim Chalmers once again made some crucial saves at the death to keep Chudleigh out whilst Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett and Ian Johnson all defended stoutly as they had done all game. Phil Wass and Tom Langridge were again excellent in midfield, Langridge picking up the OPM man of the match.

Score: O.P.M. 4-3 Chudleigh
OPM Scorers: Tom Langridge (2), Jason Sweby, Jack Horton
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Stone, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Tom Langridge, Phil Wass, Jason Carr, Jason Sweby, Chris Frude, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton
TotM: Jack Horton. MoM: Tom Langridge

17/01/2004 (A) vs Bridgwater, South Division 2
OPMs started the new year with an away defeat at third-placed Bridgwater with an unimpressive display. The home side took the lead within the first couple of minutes from a short corner but OPMs were not shaken and got into the game immediately. Very few chances emerged for either side during the first half but a half chance from OPMs was converted to level the game. Chris Frude cleared from defence to Keith Pullen whose ball to Chris Vinson left him one on one with the Bridgwater 'keeper, a position from which he scored excellently.
Bridgwater created more chances for themselves in the second half and scored three goals in relative proximity to really put the game beyond reach. They could have had more but missed several good opportunities whilst a few were well pounced on by skipper Tim Chalmers. With still some time to go, OPMs earned a short corner which Vinson rifled home for 4-2. Within seconds of the restart the away team earned another short corner but couldn't make the chance count to really pile on the pressure in the closing minutes. The game ended 4-2 to the home team, a fair reflection on the day.
Everone worked hard, Chris Frude earned MoM for some perfectly timed sliding tackles. Phil Wass was green carded for tackling from the wrong side and Ian Loze saw yellow on his debut after having escaped a green card only minutes earlier for the same offence. Ian Johnson took a stick in the face which left him with a bloody lip.

Score: Bridgwater 4-2 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson (2)
Phil Wass Ian Loze
Team: Tim Chalmers, Phil Wass, Chris Frude, Ian Johnson, Jack Allman, Keith Pullen, Ian Loze, Tom Langridge, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton
TotM: Chris Frude. MoM: Chris Frude

24/01/2004 (H) vs Dawlish, South Division 2
OPMs fought and played well but came away with nothing from a game that they needed to win in order to prevent a relegation scrap. The game was goalless at half time with both sides probing the defences but never breaking through.
The second half wasn't much different but too much giving away of possession soon became OPM's problem. A Dawlish free hit outside the D midway through the second half took the slightest of touches inside the area and the deadlock was broken. Before that, Dawlish had a short corner disallowed for use of the hand, whilst both teams had a player yellow carded for violent conduct (Stuart Bennett for OPMs). The home side found it hard to recover from the disappointment of going behind and were penned back in their own half for 10 minutes after the goal. A good spell of pressure towards the end never came to fruition and the home defeat leaves OPMs having to fight hard to retain their South Division 2 status.
The game was umpired well and all OPMs felt the disappointment of having worked hard but not taking any points.

Score: O.P.M. 0-1 Dawlish
Chris Vinson Stuart Bennett
Team: Tim Chalmers, Phil Wass, Chris Frude, Ian Johnson, Jack Allman, Stuart Bennett, Tom Langridge, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Matt Taylor, Jason Carr, Keith Pullen
TotM: Chris Frude. MoM: Chris Frude

31/01/2004 (H) vs Bridport Hawks, South Division 2
OPMs swapped places with Bridport at third-from bottom after losing this vital tie. Bridport took the lead early in the game but Chris Vinson levelled and Tom Langridge got a touch to put the home side ahead at half time.
Bridport scored twice in the second half and both sides missed plenty of chances. This leaves OPMs in the potential play-off place.

Score: O.P.M. 2-3 Bridport Hawks
OPM Scorers: Chris Vinson, Tom Langridge
Team: Tim Chalmers, Phil Wass, Chris Frude, Ian Johnson, Jack Allman, Stuart Bennett, Tom Langridge, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Matt Taylor, Jason Carr
TotM: Jack Horton. MoM: Jason Carr

01/02/2004 (A) vs Exmouth, Devon Plate Preliminary Round
Tired from the previous day's defeat, OPMs won this game in the pouring rain, more to prove to themselves that they were still capable of winning than anything else. Jack Allman struck first before Chris Vinson got the second. Exmouth stole one back before Jason Sweby restored the 2 goal advantage and Jack Horton scored from a short corner on the half time whistle for 4-1.
Exmouth again stole one back in the second half before Vinson struck again to keep the game at arms length for Exmouth.
Rob Logan recieves a special mention for running onto the pitch as a substitute after Tom Langridge had collided with the goalpost, only to receive a yellow card for his troubles.

Score: Exmouth 2-5 O.P.M.
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Chris Vinson (2), Jason Sweby, Jack Horton
Rob Logan
Team: Tim Chalmers, Phil Wass, Ian Loze, Ian Stone, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Matt Taylor, Jason Carr, Luke Patterson, Rob Logan

07/02/2004 (A) vs Plymouth University, South Division 2
OPMs played well but ultimately lost to a good Plymouth University side who scored a goal in each half. This was the best OPM performance this side of Christmas but with some questionable umpiring and strong play from the University, OPMs were ultimately outclassed. Tom Langridge missed a 2-yard sitter towards the end that could have made the final 5 minutes very interesting.

Score: Plymouth University 2-0 O.P.M.
Team: Tim Chalmers, Phil Wass, Ian Loze, Mark Rushton, Tom Langridge, Jack Allman, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Keith Pullen, Ian Johnson

14/02/2004 (H) vs East Devon A, South Division 2
Injury-hit OPMs crashed to a 4-1 home defeat against East Devon A. East Devon led 2-0 at half time but both sides had more chances to score. Stand-in 'keeper Ian Loze kept out numerous shots for OPMs and Gary Tuckett, playing his first game since breaking his wrist in December, played superbly and made some great goal-line clearances. Luke Patterson, Pete Honey, Jason Sweby, Chris Vinson and Jason Carr all missed chances to score for the home team.
OPMs were a different side in the second half with the away team hardly able to get out of their own half. When Chris Vinson scored a penalty stroke to bring the game back to 2-1, OPMs looked like they were going to go on and level the game but an East Devon break, after OPMs had pushed up, led to a goal and effectively finished the game. A short corner goal on the stroke of full time for the visitors sealed the victory.

Score: O.P.M. 1-4 East Devon A
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson (pen)
Jack Horton
Team: Ian Loze, Phil Wass, Ian Johnson, Gary Tuckett, Jason Sweby, Jack Horton, Jason Carr, Matt Taylor, Pete Honey, Chris Vinson, Luke Patterson
MoM: Ian Loze

21/02/2004 (A) vs Minehead, South Division 2
Leaders Minehead beat OPM 5-0 to claim the title and leave the Plymouth club in the relegation zone. OPMs were 2-0 down at half-time and showed some good signs of a resurgence in the second half before Minehead killed the game with three more goals.
Vice-captain Jason Sweby said: "It's all down to next week's game now against North Devon at home - the winner of that game will stay up and we can't afford to lose it".

Score: Minehead 5-0 O.P.M.
Jack Horton
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Loze, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Jason Carr, Matt Taylor, Keith Pullen, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton
TotM: Chris Vinson. MoM: Jason Carr

28/02/2004 (H) vs North Devon, South Division 2
OPMs were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow league strugglers North Devon to give OPMs a point that will probably not be enough to save them from the drop. The Plymouth side were totally dominant in the first half but only managed to convert one of at least half a dozen good chances to lead at half time. The goal came from Chris Vinson who followed in Jack Allman's saved shot.
North Devon were a better side in the second half and OPMs found themselves playing much deeper. It looked as if OPMs would hold on for the win until the away side snatched an equaliser 2 minutes from time.

Score: O.P.M. 1-1 North Devon
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Loze, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Jason Carr, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Tom Langridge
OPM Scorer: Chris Vinson
TotM: Jason Sweby. MoM: Chris Vinson

06/03/2004 (A) vs Exeter University A, South Division 2
OPMs confirmed their relegation from South Division 2 after a convincing home win for Exeter University A. With North Devon also losing, OPMs only needed a point from this match to secure the third-from-bottom place but when they were 5-0 down at half time, it seemed unlikely. The second half was much better from the Plymouth side, goals from Jack Allman and Chris Vinson bringing OPMs back into the game a little but Exeter University were too strong and grabbed another brace before the final whistle.

Score: Exeter University A 7-2 O.P.M.
Team: Tim Chalmers, Ian Loze, Gary Tuckett, Ian Johnson, Jason Sweby, Phil Wass, Jason Carr, Chris Vinson, Jack Horton, Jack Allman, Tom Langridge, Luke Patterson, Gareth Logan
OPM Scorers: Jack Allman, Chris Vinson
TotM: Jack Horton. MoM: Tim Chalmers/Phil Wass