South West Peninsula division one East
University of Exeter 4
Okehampton Argyle 2
ARGYLE will consider themselves unlucky to come away from this game against the students empty handed.
A comfortable two goal lead at half time was turned around in a torrid second half that saw some clinical finishing by the University forwards who took advantage of some loose marking by the visitors.
In the first half, although the home side played attractive passing football they created few clear chances against a well drilled Okehampton side. Argyle's more direct style of football created several openings for Adam Mortimer and Steve Kinsey who were causing the students' defence all kinds of problems. Early chances fell to Mortimer but he was denied by some fine keeping and goal line clearances.
Daniel Malcolm in the Okehampton goal brought off a fine save from Nick Robbins, the students' captain, before a perfect through ball from George Pitts allowed Mortimer to lob the keeper to open the scoring after 15 minutes. Within a minute the lead was extended by Mortimer who side footed a cross from Kinsey into the bottom corner for his second.
In an open game chances fell to both sides but good defending by Matt Mortimer and a near post clearance and a couple of acrobatic saves by Malcolm prevented the University from getting on the score sheet. Matt Mortimer was unlucky at the other end when he curled a shot just outside the upright.
Just before half time it looked as though Mortimer had got his hat-trick, following a slick passing move between Pitts and Steve Williams and finished with a perfect cross that the striker slotted in but the referee awarded a free kick for a foul, much to the disbelief of the visitors. Within six minutes of the break the students reduced the arrears. Okehampton had a succession of free kicks awarded against them; from one of these a well taken kick found University centre forward Arnold, who unmarked, saw his first strike denied by an instinctive save from Malcolm, but the forward slotted in the rebound.
Argyle then missed a great opportunity to extend their lead when the students found themselves stretched in defence, but an Ed Squire effort was again well saved by Collins who by now must have believed his goal was leading a charmed life.
The students responded immediately and within 12 minutes of the second half were level. Some poor marking following a corner allowed the students to score with a back header but a well-timed push on defender Chris Wills went unseen by the referee.
Okehampton threw everything into attack and were unlucky not to regain the lead. They went close on several occasions. Matt Mortimer had a strong header from a corner well saved, Adam Mortimer again lobbed the keeper but hit the post. With players committed to attack the Argyle's defence was left exposed and the students, who were now enjoying the game a lot more and playing with a lot more confidence, struck twice in quick succession. With only 15 minutes left to play Okehampton continued to make chances but unfortunately Williams, Mortimer and Kinsey were all unable to beat the keeper from close range and the students ran out 4-2 winners.
l Next Saturday Argyle are at home to Exmouth Town, ko 3pm.
l Winners of the Okehampton Argyle 200 lottery for Saturday, August 16: 1, Katie Brooks, ticket number 111, prize £40, 2, D Hayes, 21, £10. August 23: 1, Mrs G Carter, no 63, £40, 2, P Cunliffe, £10. August 30, Mrs Jewell, No.96, £40, 2, Robbie Miller, no 112, £10.