South West Peninsula division one East

Okehampton Argyle 0

Appledore 1

AFTER hitting the goal trail the previous week at Buckfastleigh, Argyle were hoping for more of the same against Appledore, who were one place above them in the league table. However, it was not to be as Appledore's strong midfield ensured Argyle were unable to create many chances and the few that did come Okehampton's way were ably dealt with by an efficient Appledore defence.

Argyle had the better of the early exchanges and Steve Williams was unlucky when he cut in from the left and rode a hard challenge, before seeing his shot skim the Appledore crossbar. The first half continued as an even and competitive battle in midfield – both sides were fast into the tackle and gave each other very little room.

Okehampton again came close five minutes before the break when Steve Kinsey brilliantly dribbled past three Appledore defenders and then skimmed the bar with his shot with only the goalkeeper to beat. At this stage, it looked as if Argyle might just shade the game, but a minute before half-time, a lapse of concentration allowed Appledore's Sean Downing to play a lovely through ball for Steve Skinner to run onto and he made no mistake from the edge of the box giving Appledore the lead at the interval.

The second half continued in much the same vein with neither side giving any quarter in midfield and the game continued to be played at a fierce pace and with considerable skill by both sides. Matt Mortimer had Okehampton's best chance of pulling back an equaliser when he was put through with just the keeper to beat, but the Appledore defence recovered quickly and closed down the danger. In the end this was a day for defenders and Okehampton's back three of Mike Vernon, Tom Reilly and Mark Burdus all put in good solid performances, which against most teams would have been enough to at least ensure a share of the points.

l Next Saturday Okehampton Argyle play Galmpton A in the Throgmorton League Cup, kick-off 2.30pm.

Intermediate three

Okehampton Argyle 7

Langdon Res 0

LANGDON were unable to cope with Argyle's counter attacking football and by the end of match were probably happy to have only conceded seven goals.

Hall,Callaghan and Coakley scored during the first half with Callaghan's fine free-kick being the best of the bunch. Okehampton's manager Kevin Hall demanded a bit more effort for the second half, which the  players duly obliged. Within ten seconds of the restart Hall gave Argyle their fourth of the afternoon. The last 30 minutes  saw an onslaught on the Langdon goal. Callaghan, Coakley and Monnox all added further goals during this period so it meant at the final whistle Argyle had run out comfortable winners.

After three straight wins Okehampton are the early front runners in the league.