Devon & Exeter Intermediate 1

Axmouth 0

AXMOUTH Town have been a bogy team for Zeal for many seasons and though Zeal dominated this encounter it took a brave strike from Dan Pengelly to break the deadlock and secure a well deserved three points.

The pitch at Axmouth was in superb condition which suited Zeal's two wide midfield players Cann and Pillivant who caused havoc in the home defence and set up numerous chances in the first half. However, a combination of indifferent finishing and some tremendous saves from the Axmouth keeper kept Zeal out.

At the other end, Zeal's defence were playing well and when the home forwards did break through they were denied by Wooldridge in the Zeal goal who made some great saves.

Zeal nearly went ahead just before half-time when Pillivant broke down the left and hit a tremendous shot which the home keeper did well to turn onto the bar. Cann came in from the right, beating several defenders on the way, but was unfortunate to see the ball run over the goal-line having rounded the keeper.

In the second half, Zeal created many good chances but it looked as if they were going to have to settle for a point as the ball would not go in the net. However, with ten minutes left Hiscock hit a great ball for Vile who cut in on goal and lobbed the keeper. The ball was possibly going to hit the far post or go just wide but Pengelly netted the winner after a race with a defender that resulted in the Zeal striker colliding with the post after putting the ball over the line. Pengelly could not continue and was replaced by John Halliday,

Zeal could now see an unexpected victory within their grasp and were in no mood to relinquish their lead.

This week home to Faraway DI Cup kick-off 2.30pm.

Devon & Exeter Intermediate 1

Okehampton Argyle 2nds 8

Thorverton 2nds 2

OKEHAMPTON turned in another fine performance against a fancied Thorverton side. Okehampton were quickest to settle but took the lead when Martyn Carver's fine early ball found Tim Shaw who drove home low past the keeper.

The visitors were stung in to action and replied early with Okehampton looking a little flat at the back and the visiting striker finishing well past Sean Sandercock for the equaliser.

Okehampton then bulldozed the opposition for the remainder of the half with the visitors having no answer to some brilliant football and goals.

Okehampton regained the lead when an unchallenged Chris Dearing thundered a low drive from 25 yards to restore the lead.

Carver was fouled in the box and Jason Sandford fired home from the spot.

Goal of the season so far was to follow when Sandford's breakaway down the left saw the striker's inch-perfect cross hammered home by Shaw .

The roles were reversed minutes later for Okehampton's next with Tim Shaw unselfishly laying off the ball to Jason Sandford who tapped home coolly, wrong footing the keeper.

Thorverton were looking ragged and a nasty tackle on Steve Williams in the box saw Okehampton earn their second penalty and Sandford complete his hat-trick.

The second half saw the visitors defend and from a Nick Drew corner Shaw headed home for his second hat-trick in successive weeks.

The visitors scored another before Lee Gilbert completed the rout.

There are two matches this weekend, Saturday away to Millway Rise (Axminster) Intermediate Cup. The 12.30 kick-off has still to be confirmed. Sunday home main pitch v Morchard Bishop 2pm kick-off Okehampton Cup.