Devon & Exeter Premier

Okehampton Argyle 5

Tap and Barrel 4

ARGYLE staged a remarkable comeback on Saturday and upset the form book by defeating fourth-placed Tap and Barrel.

The first half saw the visitors tap a rich goal scoring vein to go in at the break with a three-goal lead — they could have been forgiven for thinking the home side were dead and buried.

But the Okehampton players had obviously not read the script and turned the game round to run out deserving winners.

The first half belonged totally to Tap. Kenny Smith opened their account on eleven minutes following a low cross from the wing and Okehampton could not complain when soon after Wesley Gent extended the lead with a right foot shot from outside the box giving Richard Bailey in goal no chance.

Tap continued to play fluent football and took full advantage of the space they were allowed on the wings.

With Graham Soby missing from the defence Okehampton struggled to cope with the pace and commitment of the away team. Tap added a third after Gary Webb nutmegged Bailey.

A dejected Okehampton retired to the dressing room but whether it was the cup of tea or an inspired half-time team talk from manager Paul Adams, the side that took the field in the second half were unrecognisable from the eleven before the break.

Within five minutes Paul Yip converted an accurate low cross from Adam Mortimer. Yip, recalled to the first team following a spell in the seconds following suspension and injury, tormented Tap all afternoon both in attack and defence.

Okehampton seemed to gather impetus from his goal and Danny Maddax quickly added another with a sharp finish in the six yard box after Mark Burdus had produced another of his long throws.

Tap were reeling but Okehampton took their foot off the pedal and reverted to the type of football they played in the first half, conceding possession. This scrappy period saw the visitors extend their lead with a well taken goal by Steve Maynard.

But Okehampton did not lie down. Yip continued to cause all sorts of problems to a quickly tiring Tap defence, and a rejuvenated Nick Drew in midfield won every ball in the air. An inspired Ian King added two quick goals to bring the scores level. The first saw an overhead kick in the eight-yard box clear a crowded goal-line and within minutes he cleverly obliged with a second lobbing the Tap's keeper from 25 yards.

Okehampton pressed for the winner but this meant leaving their defence exposed. The back three who had excelled themselves in the second half must have been grateful to the ever youthful Bailey for two instinctive saves after breakaways by the Tap forwards.

On 80 minutes Mortimer scored Okehampton's fifth and winning goal finishing off a flowing move after Burdus regained possession from two defenders and passed to Drew. The midfielder went around a defender to slip an accurate ball to the striker. Mortimer obliged with a low left foot shot into the corner of the net to complete an incredible comeback.

This defeat must have denied Tap's title hopes and with University winning at Witheridge the students must now be favourite to win the title. But Okehampton may still have some part to play as they travel to play the college boys next Saturday.