Devon & Exeter Premier

Okehampton Argyle 0

University 1

OKEHAMPTON'S miserable luck continued against the students following a much-improved performance.

After being outplayed just a week earlier Okehampton changed to a 3-5-2 system to spoil University's passing game. The ploy worked as the students struggled to find any space or time in which to use the ball.

Every one of the Argyle line-up battled hard and harassed the University at every opportunity. Okehampton created chances themselves with Mortimer and Pollard always looking lively.

During the first half the clear-cut chances at either end were minimal as the defences were more dominant and the midfield cancelled each other out.

Two minutes into the second period, Argyle almost opened the scoring when Pollard, playing his first full game for the first team, spun in the area to plant a shot towards the top corner, but was thwarted by a spectacular save. Mortimer then had the ball in the net but his effort was ruled out by a late offside decision.

Neil Vernon, playing in an uncustomary left wingback role, charged down a pass in midfield to go clean through on goal. He tried unselfishly to find Mortimer but the ball fell just behind him and the threat was extinguished.

At the other end, Richard Bailey was in fine form with an acrobatic save.

The deadlock was broken in the 82nd minute when too much time was conceded on the right before a cross was delivered into the middle. Kev Gill challenged a forward in the air but the ball eluded them both and sneaked in at the far post as Bailey anticipated saving the header.

Argyle fought in vain for an equaliser but can look forward with increased confidence after an impressive performance against the second-placed team.

Team: - Bailey, Gill K, Ausden, Cann, Vernon N, Vernon M, Drew N, Agnew, Margrie, Mortimer, Pollard. Subs: - Reddington, Short, Adams.

This week sees Okehampton back on their travels as they take on Dawlish Villa at Dawlish Town's ground. Kick-off 3 pm.