Devon and Exeter League

Premier Division

Okehampton Argyle 1

Sidmouth Town 3

SURPRISINGLY, although losing this game, Argyle actually moved up one place in the league table, going ahead of Willand Rovers on goal difference.

But having played more games than most other teams they must start picking up some points soon, so they can move out of the relegation zone.

Argyle started brightly enough, stringing a lot of good passes together, and defending well when necessary.

But in the fifth minute Kevin Gill picked up an ankle injury after making a fine run down the left flank.

Although he struggled on for a further ten minutes he was finally replaced by Neil Agnew for the rest of the game.

Argyle settled quickly after this change and were rewarded a few moments later when Steve Williams pounced on a loose ball to score from the edge of the penalty box.

Sidmouth mounted a series of attacks, and were perhaps a little unlucky not to break down a stubborn Argyle defence, where Mike Vernon was outstanding.

Ten minutes before the break Steve Williams was again involved in the action, but this time it was a clumsy tackle just inside the penalty box on Sidmouth?s centre forward.

The referee had no alternative but to award a penalty and this was tucked away by Simon Hudson to put the scores level.

Argyle were really unlucky not to regain the lead early in the second half, when Robbie Sandercock jinked his way past four defenders, only to see his shot brilliantly saved by the Sidmouth keeper.

Mark Burdus also went close for Argyle before the luck finally turned Sidmouth?s way.

A through ball saw Okehampton?s keeper, Shaun Sandercock, easily beat Sidmouth?s Craig Badcock in a race for the ball.

Unfortunately, Shaun then miskicked his clearance, leaving Badcock the simple task of tapping the ball into the empty net.

Sidmouth went further ahead five minutes later when Badcock scored again when Argyle failed to clear a corner kick.

This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Okehampton who ran out of attacking ideas towards the end of the game.

This week, Argyle are at home again, when they take on Budleigh Salterton in the second round of the East Devon Senior cup, kick-off 2pm.

Lympstone 3

Okehampton Reserves 2

THE first half was probably the best 45 minutes of football Argyle has played all season, but they were unable to capitalise on the chances they created.

When they finally did take the lead it was Pengelly whose fine dipping effort flew into the top corner of the net, giving Argyle a 1-0 lead.

This lasted about ten minutes, when a cross from the right wing floated in at the far post to give Lympstone an equaliser they did not deserve.

Lympstone came out for the second half with a completely different attitude and for long periods of the game Argyle were unable to get the ball in their opponent?s half.

Some excellent defending by Letchford and Ditchburn kept Lympstone at bay, but this only delayed the inevitable and soon the home side had taken a 3-1 lead.

With five minutes to go Argyle were given a lifeline when they were awarded a very dubious penalty, after Callaghan was bundled over in the box. Ditchburn slotted the penalty away to make it 3-2.

After this Okehampton pushed on for the equaliser, but unfortunately ran out of time.

This week Express Cup Silverton, away, kick-off 2pm,.