Devon & Exeter Premier
Okehampton Argyle 1
Feniton 1
OKEHAMPTON did not have much time to dwell on their 1-0 defeat against Hatherleigh because they had to prepare for a tough encounter versus free-scoring Feniton.
Argyle, without the injured Kevin Gill, returned to a back three, and pushed Maddax further forward to help the front pair of Mortimer and Pollard.
Feniton started the brighter and found plenty of space wide on the left, but failed to capitalise on their dominance.
Both Yip and M Vernon found space to counter attack on both flanks but these came to nothing, as all of Argyle's attacks dwindled due to their final ball being so poor.
In midfield, King and Agnew formed a solid barrier and came to the rescue of the defence. With only three at the back Feniton exploited the open spaces left by Argyle, but by luck and wayward shooting failed to open their account.
Against the run of play Argyle took the lead with an acrobatic volley from M Vernon after good work by Yip and an excellent ball played into the box by N Vernon. After this Argyle had their most productive period of play but could not create another opening.
Argyle lost striker Nic Pollard who sustained a nasty leg injury when he collided with the keeper after he was clean through, but his first touch was too heavy and the opportunity was lost. Chris Drew came on as a replacement and provided an ariel threat to go with Mortimer's pace.
After the interval, Feniton again pressed forward and found Argyle's defence in a generous mood, but again failed to hit the target.
At the other end Drew and Mortimer were fed only scraps as Argyle resorted to long-ball tactics and both of them rarely had a look at goal.
Agnew came off injured to be replaced by Lee Carey for his debut and he showed some good touches — after one mazy run he just failed to pick out Mortimer at the far post.
A one-goal lead is never enough for Argyle, and this showed as they became nervous and sat back too deep, allowing Feniton time and space to serge forward. A goalmouth scramble occurred, Argyle cleared the loose ball only for it to be hit back into the box. A Feniton striker found himself one on one with Bailey, who pulled off a tremendous reflex save. The rebound was smashed into the net, but this was disallowed for offside.
Argyle must have thought they had the three points in the bag but a free kick in the dying minutes found itself nestling in the top corner.
Okehampton will be looking for all the points next weekend when they travel for the first time this season to Exeter Civil Service, whom they beat on the opening day.
Feniton 2nds 1
Okehampton Argyle 2nds 4
Playing against the hill and not wanting a bad start Okehampton were too cautious and early exchanges were even.
Daniel Malcolm dealt comfortably with a couple of long-range efforts and Okehampton had several first half chances but failed to score.
The second half saw Okehampton attack with more conviction and Feniton had no answer to their short passing game.
A fine Ian Wilson through-ball to Jerome Whatley saw the latter's low shot fumble under the keeper for Okehampton's first. A second was added when a Daniel Johnston corner sailed in after pressure from Ian Reddington.
Okehampton's best goal then came from some slick one-two passing with Daniel Gibbs firing home low.
With Feniton looking demoralised a Steve Williams flick on header from Dominique Vanderdorpe's long throw fell sweetly to Whatley who scored his second.
Feniton scored a consolation when a scrappy ball was intercepted.
This Saturday home to Dunkerswell, 3pm kick-off. Players to meet at main pitch at 2.15pm.