Under 17 friendly

Okehampton Argyle . . . . . . . . . 1

South Zeal Utd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

ARGYLE U17s can take a great deal of heart from this result against the men of South Zeal in a match played sensibly and sportingly.

Although most of the play came in Okehampton's half, their defence held tight against front runners Alan Vile and Harley Cann.

Mark Williams and Warwick Botham did superbly in shackling them for some 25 minutes before Cann scored a trademark goal.

Halliday and Smith were also sound in the centre of defence, making many saving clearances.

It was in midfield that Okehampton took longer to settle and much of the work was left to Pengelly who, in fairness, was feeling the effects of an earlier run with the seconds.

Though chances were few at Cleave Collins' end, Callaghan and Chapman did force their way through a couple of times, with Zeal pleased to see Reg Wonnacott eventually take his place at the centre of their defence.

They had double cause to celebrate his arrival, just before half-time, when he crashed in a long range shot that Leyman could touch but not prevent entering his net.

There was still time for Callaghan to raise home spirits as he forced Wooldridge into an error and then calmly slotted the ball past Collins.

Both Wooldridge and Sanderson had been forced into some physical play by the big Okehampton striker and with a little more support he should score regularly this season.

Okehampton made a number of changes through the second half and this seemed to disrupt their pattern a little but they enjoyed more of the play, without penetrating too much.

The persistence of Tom Williams and Callaghan won them a clutch of free-kicks that Hampson was able to use as practice for set plays.

With a little more confidence and power he may have troubled Collins more but it was good to see thought put into the taking of such plays.

Okehampton's best chance probably fell to Tom Williams who, had he headed an excellent cross, would surely have scored. Okehampton's defence still had their work cut out through the half but were largely capable of dealing with most attacks.

That is until Robert White stole up late on to fire the ball through a crowded box and past Leyman.

The team is at home to Budleigh Salterton this Sunday, kick-off at 10.30am.

Under 15s friendly

Bideford Blues U16s . . . . . . . . . .6

Okehampton Argyle . . . . . . . . .1

THE Okehampton players must have wondered what their manager had let them in for when they saw the size of some of the North Devon lads. It took them a while to recover some of their composure.

Playing five across midfield, Bideford attacked from the start and were rewarded with an early goal as their centre-forward charged through and slotted past Williams.

Argyle drew themselves together and enjoyed more of the play, even if they were a little lightweight at the front. Sercombe and Morgan appeared keen to feed the ball forward.

Evans was making some good runs that deserved better reward before his defence conceded two quick goals that again drew upon farce.

Someone was harshly penalised for handball and without waiting for the referee, Blues' centre-back took a quick kick allowing his front-man to score. The Okehampton players then saw a speculative long range effort return off their crossbar and rebound in off Williams' knees. These goals rocked Argyle and they were to concede two more before the break, although Evans capped a fine personal show by scoring.

The second half witnessed Okehampton taking more of the play and Bideford's goalie was more employed, as were his defence.

Argyle's own defence worked hard despite the loss of Soby to injury and with his partner, Darren Moore, carrying a thigh strain.

Fortune and Williams' alertness kept the Blues at bay whilst Ditchburn earned the right to three chances at the other end, but was unable to convert them.

It was unfortunate that Okehampton were to give away a sixth goal as they had found some belief and self-respect against the stronger side. Sercombe was withdrawn ten minutes from time.

The game ended with Bideford's big centre-half falling to the ground with a severe groin strain. The resultant stoppage took more time than was left and the game was, sensibly, ended.

There is a need for more competition for places and lads born after September 1 1986 are invited to training on Thursdays at 6pm.

It is hoped Bideford can bring their true U15s to Simmons Park this week — watch this space!

l The club have been stunned by the news that Ryan Soby's injury is far worse than first appeared and needed surgery.

This is a major loss for the team and everyone in the club wishes Ryan well.