Devon & Exeter Youth League.

Newtown U17s . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Okehampton Argyle . . . . . . . . . .2

OKEHAMPTON came within six minutes of taking their first maximum of the season, in a match that saw Newtown play better football but Argyle battling well.

The first half was fairly evenly matched and both sides were to create openings but were equally let down by wasteful finishing. Newtown's goalie seemed to have taken Okey's lowly position as a cue to play a somewhat laid back game that caused his colleagues some frightening moments.

They were eventually punished as, mid-way through the half, Ditchburn picked up an uncertain clearance and thumped in a low shot from twenty yards.

This prompted a home revival and Okey's back four were called upon to tremendous defending thus protecting their own 'keeper valiantly.

On thirty-five minutes, Hampson picked up another loose clearance, took the ball on and picked his spot with glee. Again it was backs to the wall but Newtown were to meet a solid defence and safe 'keeper.

The second 45 minutes belonged to Newtown as they swept in on the Argyle goal, winning corner after corner and spurning many chances. Argyle's 'keeper seemed to block almost everything and was to take the man of the match award.

Going forward, Argyle's few chances all seemed to stem through Callaghan who worked so hard but with no reward.

Just when it seemed Okey would return with three points, they suffered possibly the worst six minutes of their season.

From yet another corner a Newtown forward exposed Argyle's Achilles heel and rose to power home a superb header. Two minutes later Minto, who had been shackled by Sandercock and Halliday, finally broke free and fired home an equaliser. The clock seemed to be favouring Okey for a point but then fate spun the game in Newtown's favour. Tim Stevens, with time and room to spare, inexplicably lobbed the ball towards his 'keeper. One bounce on the rock-hard surface and all could only stand and watch as the ball bobbled into an empty net.

This was almost the last kick off the game and it was noticeable that Newtown were the quieter team as they left the field.

The result just about summed up the latter half of the U17s season — so near but then so far. If there was a fault it was in that only one midfielder regularly tracked back to assist his defence. Perhaps the rest were still clubbing!

Argyle now close their season on Tuesday, May 15 at home to Plymstock.