Football Express Minor Cup quarter-final

Okehampton Argyle U15s 3

Central AFC 1

OKEHAMPTON drafted in Callaghan — who has been plying his trade in the U17s although he is of this age group — and new boy Paul Coward. Both, in their partnership at the front, played their hearts out and provided many an outlet for their midfield that was facing up to five players at any one time.

Okehampton elected to go with four and press two forward. The plan almost worked early on as Callaghan and Drew combined but the latter's snap shot went just wide.

When the first goal came, it owed an element of luck to the home side. Callaghan provided a deep cross and Sercombe poked it past the keeper.

Central continued to create chances but were caught by Okehampton defenders stepping up to play the off-side. Wide men running with the ball was their next option but Darren Moore and Alan Stepto made countless tackles to thwart them.

Both Drew and Morgan worked back in assistance to provide extra cover, enabling Argyle to turn round with a slender lead.

Argyle spent much of the second half with their backs to the wall.

Wills left play early, with a suspected calf strain, and Argyle delayed subbing him for some ten minutes before Griffiths came on. He added new bite to Okehampton's centre and even popped up to score their second. Drew was sent across field to drive in a free-kick that allowed Coward and Griffiths time to debate who should score, the latter thumping it in.

Central replied almost immediately with a simple but well set up chance.

Argyle went to have the last word as Central's keeper felled Callaghan just outside the penalty area to set up another free-kick. The big striker took the kick himself, from an acute angle, the ball skating across goal and in off the keeper's boot.

With seven of today's starting 11 eligible next season, this result was a reflection of how the younger ones are prepared to battle and of how they should admire the immense support of their older colleagues. Crediton come next, in the semi-finals.

Men of the match: James Callaghan and James Williams.