Devon & Exeter Premier

Feniton 2

Okehampton Argyle 4

OKEHAMPTON climbed off the basement rung at last after a fully deserved win at Feniton. A three-goal burst in six minutes clinched the points for Okehampton as they raced from 1-1 to 4-1 with the home defence in tatters.

Argyle started the brighter kicking up the slope and threatened on numerous occasions with some neat passing moves.

Feniton always looked dangerous though with their own brand of long-ball football and Al Short was a colossus in defence, winning countless headers. Richard Bailey was also in tremendous form pulling off a string of fine saves.

Okehampton took the lead on the half-hour when a Nicky Drew corner from the left was only half cleared back to the same player. He took the ball to the corner of the 18- yard box before curling his shot into the far corner.

This stunned the home side and they then produced their best spell of the game. As the wind got up Okehampton found it increasingly difficult to clear their lines sufficiently to stem the tide and the pressure eventually told three minutes before the break when Feniton scored.

The second half started evenly until Okehampton regained the lead on the hour following a flowing move involving several players. Ian Gill scored his first of the game when he finished off the move side-footing into the corner.

He scored his second two minutes later following a Feniton corner which was cleared to Stuart Cann. He instantly found Gill who beat the last defender and hit a tremendous left foot lob over the keeper from tight angle. It was a goal worthy of winning any game.

The points were made safe in the 66th minute. Graham Soby, having another solid game in defence, controlled a difficult high ball superbly before hitting a sublime pass to Nick Pollard with the outside of his left foot. Pollard dummied the right back before picking out Adam Mortimer with pinpoint precision and he volleyed home from 12 yards .

Four minutes later Feniton pulled a goal back when Dave Court was left unmarked at the far post and he rifled past a helpless Bailey.

The game was interrupted for more than half an hour when Feniton player Richard Blackmore broke his ankle. When the game eventually restarted Okehampton completed the victory with ease.

Team: Bailey, Soby, K Gill, Cann, Drew, Short, Agnew, Pollard, D Maddax, I Gill, Mortimer. Subs; N Vernon, C Maddax.

This week Argyle have no game, their next match being against Exmouth Amateurs at home on April 8. Kick off 3pm.