Carlsberg South West Peninsula division one West

Penryn Athletic 3

Okehampton Argyle 0

OKEHAMPTON paid the penalty for travelling to Penryn with only one substitute when two injuries saw them have to play all of the second half with only ten men.

However, all 12 players in the squad put in a tremendous performance and Argyle matched their hosts throughout the game and were desperately unlucky to return home without a point.

The game was a midfield battle from the off but it was Okehampton who created the better early chances. Argyle received a blow after eight minutes when influential midfielder Luke Alden limped off with a recurrence of a groin injury and substitute Brad Ausden came on to play up front. Still Okehampton matched their hosts in midfield and played some attractive football, but were not able to take the few chances that came their way.

With half-time approaching, Penryn crossed from the right and the ball ballooned up off an Argyle defender for Greg Hobbs to head home from close in. Argyle responded quickly and produced a great move down the right which saw Alex Wren play Steve Williams in only for his shot to hit the home crossbar.

Argyle came out with ten men after the break as Ed Squire was unable to continue due to a foot injury. Still Argyle pushed forward playing with three up front and looked the more dangerous side.

Steve Williams almost prized open the Penryn defence but saw his shot deflected for a corner. Then from the resulting corner, Steve Madge fired in from wide on the left, only to see his effort headed off the line.

However, the ten men tired as the end of the match approached and with five minutes left, Dan Richardson finished off a quick counter-attack with the Argyle defence outnumbered. Then in the last minute, Penryn scored the best goal of the game when Greg Hobbs fastened on to a long through ball to play a delightful lob over Okey keeper Harry Geering.

This was a brave effort from Argyle, now playing without leading scorer Ben Waters who has transferred to Callington. Keeper Geering and the back four of Corey Burns, Dale Chadwick, James Williams and Shane Monnox all played well, but the midfield were outstanding with Alex Wren taking the man of the match award.