Sidmouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Okehampton Argyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
THE match was called off on Saturday against Exeter CS due to a waterlogged pitch, which was later found to be playable! Then one Monday after a pitch inspection early in the morning, the game against Sidmouth went ahead.
Argyle's recent run of six games undefeated looked to have been brought to an end when Sidmouth took an early lead with keeper Bailey being beaten at the near post with Arygle's defence left in disarray. This followed intense pressure by Sidmouth who were looking to add to their lead.
Okehampton never really got going and woeful passing with a lack of desire, compelled Argyle to play possibly their worst football for weeks.
Gill and Mortimore again were full of constant running, but long hopeful balls were the best service they were getting, as Argyle's midfield sat deep to stem the attack of Sidmouth.
After Short, Soby and M Vernon in defence had got to grips with the arial bombardment by Sidmouth, Argyle slowly began to show a little of what football they can play, with good efforts on target by both N Drew and Cann.
Agnew and Mortimore combined well on the right,with the latter beating four defenders before firing his shot over the bar.
Okehampton drew level, when Gill fired home from 12 yards after a one-two with Mortimore. Mortimore then made the home keepers produce a reflex save from his volley, and from the resulting corner, N Drew had a volley, which sailed past the post. Gill scored hism and Argyle's second, just before the interval when he converted Moretimore's cross into the goal with his shin.
The second half started much like the first, with Sidmouth pushing for an equalizer and Argyle's defence struggling to hold them at bay.
This pressure paid when poor marking allowed Sidmouth to cross the ball in fromn the left.
Bailey rose to claim it and was fouled in doing so. but no action was taken by the referee - allowing the opposition a simple scoring chance which they took.
Sidmouth then regained the lead when a cross from the right was not dealt with, and the ball went underneath keeper Bailey for Sidmouth to score a simple tap in.
Argyle never regained their composure in this half and could have easily conceded more. Pollard was introduced, wide on the right to provide ammunition for the front two, but these attacks were all in vain.
With time running out a long ball from Soby found M Vernon whose shot was only parried by the keeper, and the ever-alert Gill pounced to score his third.
Manager Pete Gross wanted to continue Argyle's excellent run in what was his last game in charge of Okehampton Argyle's 1st team before his departure to Norway.
All players wish him all the best and thank him for all his hard work over the last few years.
This weekend Argyle are at home to 2nd placed Witheridge, KO at 3pm. Then on Monday they travel to Exeter CS which is an 11am start.
P W D L F A Pts
Sidmouth 25 7 7 11 42 56 28
Hatherleigh 26 7 7 12 35 51 28
Okehampton 25 8 4 13 46 67 28
Exmouth Am 26 8 2 16 31 55 26
Dawlish V 27 6 6 15 35 71 24
Budleigh S 24 6 6 12 40 59 24
Exeter CS 26 6 4 15 29 58 22