Newtown 5

'THE scoreline flattered us,' said the Newtown manager, following Saturday's match. He had noticed the skill and individual talents of the Okehampton players. Argyle lost due to a few momentary lapses for which they were punished.

Okehampton started with changes to the formation: Tom Powell at centre back, Scott Ditchburn at left back, and Phil Evans partnering Steve Kinsey up front. Argyle held Newtown for the first 25 minutes.

At this stage the teams were evenly matched. Powell was effective in his new position, and there were good speculative moves from Okehampton. But they conceded three goals in the next 20 minutes, two due to poor communication in defence, and the third by poor marking.

At half-time the formation was adjusted: Powell moved into midfield, Adam Griffiths to the right wing and Alan Stepto returned to his usual right back position.

Unfortunately Argyle's confidence was damaged beyond repair. The long ball game did not allow them to show their potential and gave too much possession to Newtown.

But Argyle did exert some pressure, and one attack produced a free kick which Griffiths delivered towards the edge of the box, from where Rhys Morgan headed over the keeper for a consolation goal.

Tempers flared as Argyle's frustration mounted. In the dying moments Stepto headed an excellent goal-line clearance. Both he and Kinsey tried desperately to break through the opposition defence to narrow the scoreline.

Man of the match: Phil Evans.

This Saturday home to Bampton.