Exeter Cup
Honiton 2
Okehampton Argyle 3
OKEHAMPTON pulled off what must rate as one of the finest wins ever recorded by an Argyle youth side ? the first from the club to reach the final.
Honiton were odds on favourites, having two weeks previously hammered Argyle 8-1 in a league fixture. Honiton opened the scoring early in the first half.
Okehampton responded with fearsome tackling and neat football and put Honiton under increasing pressure.
Okehampton looked sharper, fitter and more determined. A through-ball by Rob Clark found Darren Prouse who slotted the ball past the Honiton keeper.
The second half saw even better football from the away side, striker Rob Clarke putting in one of the best individual displays ever seen in an Argyle shirt. His tenacity and tormenting ball control were inspirational.
Okehampton took the lead when Phil Woods crashed the ball into the net from a Matt King free kick.
Honiton hit back to level the score. With five minutes to go Clark was hacked down on the edge of the Honiton box. King struck the free kick sweetly, curling the ball around the wall and into the top left corner of the net.
Okehampton look forward to the reward of a final at Exeter?s St James Park ? date to be announced.
Okehampton Argyle U12s 2
Bideford Blues U12s 0
OKEHAMPTON produced a solid all-round performance dominating skilful opposition.
The defence, Joe Turner, Daniel Smale, Kerry Bishop, Scott Tremain and Simon Lines, were solid against many attacks.
The midfield, Carl Poynton, Rory Honeychurch, Alex Osman and Ashley Clark were very effective and forwards Scott Bradfield, Chris Holland and Wayne Atherton were always threatening
Rory Honeychurch scored both goals ? a header from a corner and a superb lobbed volley.
Man of the match: Joe Turner.