Devon & Exeter Laague Premier
Okehampton Argyle 2
Willand Rovers 1
ARGYLE knew this was likely to be an evenly fought match, after coming away from Willand a couple of months ago with a point from a goalless draw.
And that was how it turned out to be, with the final result in doubt right up to the final whistle.
Playing down the slope Okehampton put early pressure on the Willand defence, and as early as the second minute Adam Mortimer broke clear only for his shot to crash into the side netting from an acute angle.
Mortimer made up for this miss three minutes later after Kevin Gill broke down the left flank and crossed for him to blast a right-foot shot into the corner of the net.
Argyle had chances to increase their lead during the next 30 minutes, with Lloyd Chapman having the best opportunity when put through by a clever back heel from Mortimer. But the shot rolled inches wide of the far upright and out of play.
Five minutes from half-time Willand scored a well-earned equaliser. A cross from the right found Leo Woodman unmarked at the far post, who had the easy task to head in past Sandercock.
From their first attack in the second half Argyle went back into the lead. An attempted clearance by a Willand defender was blocked by Paul Yip and rebounded straight into the path of Mortimer, who raced through to put the ball past the keeper.
The rest of the game developed into a midfield battle, with Argyle trying to protect their slender lead and Willand doing their utmost to draw level.
A few untidy tackles and confrontations started to develop, but the referee chose to have a quiet word with players rather than issue yellow or red cards.
Argyle managed to play out time with the help of Sean Sandercock, who made some late brave saves to ensure the three points went to the home side.
This week Argyle are away to Exeter University, kick-off 3pm, leave all-weather pitch car park at 1.30pm.