South West Peninsula League division one East

Okehampton Argyle 1

Budleigh Salterton 2

Okehampton gave a spirited display and deserved a share of the points against last season's division one East champions, but unfortunately were defeated by a late goal.

Argyle were forced to reorganise as keeper Dan Malcolm and midfielder Chris Wills were both unavailable, but second string keeper Harry Geering — making his debut at this level — had an outstanding game.

Budleigh looked the sharper side for the first half hour and made the better chances, taking the lead on 29 minutes when a clearance fell to their defender Stuart Francis, who volleyed the ball home from 30 yards, giving Geering no chance.

Okehampton gradually clawed their way back into the game and started to threaten the Budleigh defence.

Just before the break, a lovely weighted through ball from Ed Squire saw Adam Mortimer race clear, but his shot went into the Budleigh side netting.

The second half started with Okehampton taking the game to the visitors, and after only five minutes they were level. Again, Ed Squire conjured up another superb through ball to put Steve Williams clear on the right. The speedy winger showed brilliant control to cut inside the Budleigh full back and then blasted the ball home from a tight angle.

Argyle were now matching their visitors in all aspects of the game and the match seemed to be heading for a draw.

However, ten minutes from time, a loose pass from the Okehampton midfield saw Budleigh gain possession with the Argyle defence off guard. The visitors quickly played the ball in to Brett Wright on the edge of the box and he made no mistake with a powerful shot, which proved to be the match-winner.

The Argyle players will undoubtedly be disappointed by this result but they should hold their heads high, as they matched their highly rated opponents in effort and skill and were desperately unlucky not to get a share of the points.

l On Saturday Okehampton Argyle are away to Appledore in the South West Peninsula League, kick-off 2.15pm.