Devon Premier Cup first round

Okehampton Argyle 8

South Molton 1

WITH Argyle having won their first four league matches and South Molton losing their first two, it was not surprising that Okehampton were hot favourites for this East v North Devon encounter.

Early pressure from Argyle almost produced a goal in the first couple of minutes. Paul Yip broke through a static defence and forced a double save from Ben Lock in the South Molton goal.

A quick break down the right flank by South Molton's Phil Thorn saw his cross-cum-shot met by keeper Daniel Malcolm at full stretch to palm the ball over the bar.

After this scare, Argyle took control. A through-ball from Mike Vernon found Adam Mortimer who coolly slotted it past the keeper.

A carbon-copy move four minutes later saw Mortimer again beat the keeper to a through ball, but this time dribble around him before walking the ball into the net.

The third goal came from a different avenue. Hard-working midfielder Neil Agnew worked his way upfield before crossing the ball into the six-yard area. The keeper caught then dropped the ball, giving Yip the easy task of tapping it into the net.

Five minutes before half-time Mortimer turned to provider when his crossfield pass found Daniel Johnston moving up the right wing. His cross into the box was sidefooted into the net by Stuart Cann.

A smart attack by South Molton two minutes later saw a cross and fine header by Phil Robinson whistle into the net, to give the away side a glimmer of hope in the second half.

But this was quickly dashed in the first seven minutes. Mortimer completed his hat-trick by chesting in a cross from the right and Cann got his second when a Yip cross found him unmarked on the edge of the box. His shot found the bottom corner to make it six.

On the hour the impressive James Williams provided a pinpoint cross for Mortimer to sidefoot home, his fourth and Okehampton's seventh.

To cap a fine performance he scored the last one himself at the third attempt after his first two efforts were blocked by defenders.

This was a good performance, and should give Argyle all the confidence they need when they take on the winners of Wessex or Shamwickshire in the second round at Okehampton on October 5.

This week home to Topsham. Kick-off 3pm.