South West Peninsula League division one East

Exeter Civil Service 6

Okehampton Argyle 0

DESPITE a brave performance, Argyle succumbed to a powerful Civil Service side for whom former Argyle star Adam Mortimer scored a hat- trick.

Argyle's managers decided to field four at the back and a midfield strategy that constantly pressurised the Civil Service players leaving them no time to dwell on the ball, and for the first ten minutes, Okehampton shook their high-riding hosts.

Sadly, Argyle fell 2–0 behind during this period, when Civil scored from their only two attacks. On four minutes, the home side's Ben Harris headed home unchallenged from an inswinging corner and five minutes later Adam Mortimer scored a second, when Argyle's keeper Harry Geering dropped a cross at his feet.

Play continued fairly evenly in midfield where Matt Mortimer and George Pitts were outstanding for Okehampton, but Civil had the game sewn up after 16 minutes when Adam Mortimer extended their lead with a cool finish.

Argyle never stopped playing football and were unlucky not to reduce the lead just before the interval, when a fine move saw Stuart Entwhistle break clear, only to see the home keeper smother the ball at his feet.

The second half started off badly for Argyle as two minutes in, the referee adjudged that Mark Burdus had brought down Adam Mortimer in the area, and Matt Byrne gave Geering no chance with the resulting penalty.

Within minutes, another Civil attack saw Geering do well to parry a goalbound shot but unfortunately for Argyle Joey Hawes was on hand to tap home the loose ball. Despite being five down, Argyle kept trying and never gave up and Ed Squire went close with two fine efforts, but it was Civil who were to score the only remaining goal when Adam Mortimer completed his hat-trick with ten minutes remaining.

All the team should hold their heads up for the way they never stopped trying. Okehampton put together some fine passing movements and matched their hosts in midfield for much of the game – the difference was that every time Civil Service attacked, they found the back of the net.

• On Saturday in the South West Peninsula League Argyle are at home to Ottery St Mary, kick-off 3pm.

In the Devon and Exeter senior five Okehampton Seconds are away to Sampford Peverell, kick-off 3pm.

In Devon and Exeter intermediate three Argyle thirds are at home to Bradninch, kick-off 3pm.