Jackson Vending
Devon & Exeter Premier
Okehampton Argyle 0
Feniton 4
THE sun was shining and the pitch looked magnificent when Argyle kicked off this season.
The players were up for this game and produced neat football, keeping possession and never letting the opposition get a look in.
But this refers to Feniton — they played brilliantly and taught Argyle a lesson in football.
Both teams were even for about 20 minutes, then Feniton turned the screw, with Argyle's players chasing shadows.
Corner after corner followed, but somehow Argyle's defence held firm. Then a 25-yard shot came straight at keeper Neil Clift, and the ball ran between his legs.
Argyle could not retain possession and the two up front, Adam Mortimer and Danny Maddax, were redundant as they were given no supply.
Argyle were sluggish. They did not win many first or second balls and were not close enough in marking or closing down their opponents, giving them room and time to play football.
A tame 20-yard free-kick which went wide by Danny Gibbs was the only effort Argyle could muster during a poor first half.
A half-time roasting did not seem to work as Argyle went further behind after only two minutes, when sloppy marking allowed a Feniton attacker to pounce and slot the ball home.
Things were made worse for Argyle when Stuart Cann was sent off. Argyle struggled against a well organised team before this, but now they were up against it.
Feniton played keep-ball for long periods, slowly wearing Argyle down. Two further goals were conceded but Argyle had given up before that.
Manager Paul Adams described the game as 'a pathetic performance'.
'My team lacked commitment, desire, passion and a will to win. If we fail to keep possession as we did today, it will be a long hard season.
'We failed to create a single scoring opportunity and not one player came out of the game with any credit,' he said.
Next game away to Tap and Barrel, kick-off 3pm.