Friendly

Okehampton Argyle 1

Alphington 3

IN a final work-out before the Carlsberg South West Peninsula division one West season begins on Saturday, Argyle entertained their old rivals Alphington from the eastern division, and both sides served up some good attractive football.

Okehampton were missing four of their squad due to injuries and other commitments but the three 16 year-olds who played on the day showed that they have plenty to offer the club at this senior level.

The home side had the better of the early exchanges as both sides played attractive attacking football, but Argyle fell behind on 20 minutes when Alphington won a direct free kick just outside the box and rifled this home beautifully giving Harry Geering in the home goal no chance.

Eight minutes later, Argyle were level when a lovely move had the Alphas defence at sixes and sevens and Rob Clarke finished well from close in.

Only a minute later, the visitors regained the lead when a disputed free kick awarded on the right was played high into the box for an Alphington forward to outclimb the Argyle defence and head home clinically. The match continued very evenly until the interval and both sides created chances but there was no further scoring.

Argyle took the game to their visitors after the break and man-ofthe-match Ed Squire burst through on the right on several occasions and constantly had the Alphington defence under pressure, but the equaliser just would not come. Then on 51 minutes, a slip-up in midfield cost Okehampton dear as a visiting forward was presented with the ball and left to race through unchallenged and increase the Alphas lead.

Argyle came back again and Alphington had to resort to some heroic defending to keep Okehampton at bay. However, there was to be no further scoring and both sides left the field well satisfied with a hard sporting match which will serve as good preparation for the season ahead.

Argyles young side put in a good performance all round with Ed Squire outstanding in midfield, where he was ably supported by new signing Ben Ferguson and 16 year-old Luke Alden. Stuart Entwhistle seems to be settling in well to his new position of central defender and Alex Wren had an excellent game at full-back. The match also saw impressive first team debuts for 16 year-olds Brad Ausden and Corey Burns who came on as substitutes in the second half.

n This Saturday at Simmons Park Argyle play Penryn Athletic, kick-off 3pm, in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula division one West.