Devon & Exeter Premier
Hatherleigh Town 3
Okehampton Argyle 0
A LARGE crowd gathered for this match, with most coming from Okehampton, expecting to see a big run for their top of the table side. But Hatherleigh were determined to avenge a 5-0 defeat by Okehampton.
After an early score when Steve Williams broke through only to shoot wide, high scoring Argyle were kept out so well they only managed two shots on target all match.
Hatherleigh closed players down early all over the pitch and did not allow Argyle the time and space to play.
The opening goal came midway through the first half. A long ball forward was not dealt with by the visiting defence and it dropped just inside the 18-yard line. Stuart Dymond was on to it and lifted it over the onrushing David Malcolm into goal.
The second goal had a slice of good fortune attached to it. Simon Pearson took a free kick from inside his own half and floated the ball forward. It evaded everyone and when Malcolm misjudged the bounce it went over his head and into the net.
For the second period Okehampton came out with all guns blazing, but there was no way the home side were throwing away their advantage.
From Sandercock in goal, through the defence of Tucker, Pearson, Bruce and Bryant, the midfield of Jones, Endacott, Chapman and Vernon, and
Dymond and Harris up front, Hatherleigh battled away, and became the first team Okehampton have failed to score against this season.
For this they all deserve credit and they were rewarded with a third goal.
Dymond pulled the ball back into the goalmouth from the left and there was Lloyd Chapman to sidefoot into the net for his first goal for his new club.
This Saturday Hatherleigh travel to play bottom of the table Exeter St Thomas.