Devon & Exeter Premier

St Martin's 2

Okehampton Argyle 2

ARGYLE'S impressive run continues after this draw against a team six points and five places above them in the league.

The result is even more satisfying because the team which was sent out to represent Okehampton's first eleven contained three under 17 players.

The back four of Steve Ausden, taken from the reserves, Dave Grimes, from the thirds, and player manager Paul Adams, making only his second appearance of the season, and under 17 player Aaron were under constant pressure from the whistle.

Chris Wills made his full debut at left wing back, was full of running and gave good cover for Grimes. Nick Drew, Ian King and man of the match Mike Vernon made up the rest of midfield who were also at times chasing shadows as St Martin's pushed forward at every opportunity.

The makeshift strike force of Kevin Gill and Daniel Gibbs were not in the game but ran and chased every loose ball trying to ease the pressure

Argyle were under.

It was no suprise when St Martins took the lead after Adams and Ausden won two headers. The ball fell kindly to their striker who slotted it home giving keeper Richard Bailey no chance. This was followed by a quick second as Argyle looked to the sky for help and guidance to stop a rugby score mounting.

The rot stopped there. St Martins were guilty of several wasted opportunities and there was some fine goalkeeping by Bailey. Argyle kept plugging away and even had a shot on goal by Gill.

During the break Argyle looked tired and things got worse as just after the start Ian King had to go off injured with a bad hip to be replaced by young Tom Williams who went up front with Gibbs dropping back into midfield. Williams, making his first team debut, was full of running and caused many problems for the St Martin's defence.

The next incident changed the game. Player-manager Adams pulled his hamstring and was replaced by the young Neil Agnew, Gill dropped back to defence with Agnew playing as a striker and within two minutes Agnew had scored after excellent work by Williams. Seconds later Agnew scored his and Argyle's second after good play between Drew and Vernon.

Argyle's defence held firm despite some last-minute scares to hold on to a point.

Adams was full of praise for all the players who made themselves available and gave a 'magnificent performance'.

This week Argyle are away to Cullompton, kick-off at 5.30pm.

This, Sunday , Okehampton Cup semi-final , Lapford v Tap & Barrel. Kick-off 2.30pm. £1 entry.