Okehampton Cup Final

Okehampton Argyle 4

Hatherleigh 3 (aet)

WITH honours even, from the two league matches already played this season by these two clubs, another close encounter was expected.

A large crowd was treated to a seven-goal thriller, with plenty of action in both goalmouths, and the final result in doubt until the last minute of extra time.

Early pressure came from Hatherleigh whose centre forward was surprised to find himself unmarked, well inside the penalty box after just six minutes and with time to pick his spot and put his side one up with a shot into the corner.

This early setback fired Argyle up, and both Steve Williams with a lob and Paul Yip with a low shot came close to equalising.

Continued pressure saw Argyle win a corner in the 12th minute and from a perfect cross Robbie Miller rose to head into the to corner to level the scores.

Miller, who dominated almost all the aerial battles, besides putting in some useful groundwork, was awarded the man of the match trophy, a popular choice by most supporters.

Despite being in control for quite a long spell, Argyle failed to take their chances and were punished after giving away a free kick just outside the penalty area.

A cross to the far post saw Stuart Dymond score with a diving header, giving Sandercock no chance.

Argyle came from behind for the second time eight minutes into the second half, and it came as no surprise that it was Miller who provided a headed cross for Steve Williams to nod in at the far post.

The ding-dong battle continued with Hatherleigh having a goal disallowed for a foul on the keeper, and Argyle having two goalbound shots headed off the line, but despite these chances the game moved into extra time.

The excitement continued when after just four minutes Adam Mortimer headed in a corner to put Argyle in front for the first time. But the lead was short-lived, as Hatherleigh drew level when the ball was stabbed home after a goalmouth scramble three minutes later.

Just before the half-time whistle, Hatherleigh should have gone ahead when awarded a penalty for handball, but Sean Sandercock pulled off a great one-handed save which was to prove crucial when early in the second period Steve Williams broke clear and lobbed the keeper for the winning goal.

Even though Hatherleigh clipped the crossbar from almost the last kick of the game Argyle just about deserved their narrow victory.

l Okehampton Argyle secretary Colin Beer thanked all the sponsors who had supported the club during the season 2003-2004 and hoped this would continue next season.