Throgmorton Cup 1st round
Galmpton 2
Okehampton Argyle 0
THIS was always going to be a difficult fixture away to the Division 1 East League leaders in the Peninsula League Cup, but with leading scorer Adam Mortimer on holiday, goals were likely to be even more difficult to come by.
The game started at a fast pace and after three minutes Argyle were caught out by a quick counter attack. Galmpton played the ball to Ashley Hawes, who was left unmarked wide on the right, and his cross was firmly headed home by Shaun Friend.
There was no doubt that Galmpton were a good side and a team with less character than Okehampton would have folded in the face of this early setback. But Argyle gradually got back into the game and matched their hosts in midfield where Ed Squire took the eye.
The game swung from end to end and it would have been no surprise if Okehampton had pulled level before half-time, but it was Galmpton who increased their lead a minute before the interval.
A harsh decision gave Galmpton a free kick 25 yards out and Steve Parkin curled the ball around the Argyle defence and past keeper Dan Malcolm.
The second half belonged to Argyle as the midfield of Ed Squire, Matt Sanders, Chris Wills, James Williams and Robbie Sandercock dominated their hosts, who were reduced to infrequent quick breaks with only one lone forward.
Argyle's Steve Williams shot wide with only the keeper to beat and Robbie Sandercock rattled the Galmpton crossbar with a superb shot. Okehampton brought on George Pitts and Matt Mortimer with 15 minutes to go and they slotted in well to the midfield, which continued to enjoy the majority of the possession, but still the goals would not come.
Galmpton held on for victory, but they were certainly given a scare by Argyle in the second half.
This Saturday: South West Peninsula League, Bovey Tracey A, 3pm.