Devon & Exeter Premier

Okehampton Argyle 0

Witheridge 0

ARGYLE, without the services of Ian King and Danny Maddax, stuck with the youngsters Aaron Bourne and Daniel Johnson, the latter having to come off injured to be replaced with Chris Wills making his first team debut.

In a scrappy first period, Argyle could only muster one shot on target, a tame effort by Adam Mortimer who never troubled the stand-in keeper — he replaced the first choice keeper who injured his hand during the warm-up.

Richard Bailey in the home goal was rarely called into action despite a strong wind, as the defensive trio of Mike Vernon, Graham Soby and the impressive Kevin Gill kept the Witheridge attack at bay.

The game was affected by the constant stop-start by the referee, but he came to Argyle's rescue by booking a Witheridge striker for a dive in the box.

Nick Drew was recalled to the heart of midfield and along with Danny Gibbs won every header and tackle, but both failed to release Adam Mortimer and Paul Yip who were bystanders in an uneventful first period.

After the break and playing down the slope Argyle thought it would be plain sailing, but Witheridge started the stronger forcing several corners and free kicks to keep Bailey on his toes.

As the game moved into the last quarter Argyle seemed to come to life. Yip moved to wing back and Jason Sandford came on up front. They caused problems with their pace and Argyle started to dictate the game, Neil Agnew linking well on the left with the young Chris Wills.

Argyle almost took the lead when after an excellent run by Yip, the ball was cut back to Sandford whose effort was blocked. At the other end Bailey made an excellent save.

An inch-perfect ball by Gibbs fell to Mortimer who took one touch and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner of the net. But Argyle's joy was short-lived as the referee had blown for a free kick, as a Witheridge player kicked Gibbs after he had made the pass.

This incensed Argyle who felt the action cost them three points.

This week Argyle are away to St Martin's. Players to meet at 1.15pm.