Devon & Exeter Intermediate 3
Elmore 4
Okehampton Argyle 3rds 3
NEEDING only a point to maintain their championship hopes Okehampton now have to rely on Elmore losing one of their last two matches.
Okehampton started with five across the middle, but Elmore's speedy forwards had a field day and were soon 2-0 up.
Argyle reverted to 4-4-2 and slowly got back into the match. Good work from Mark Gibson saw a fine near-post cross tucked away superbly by Tim Shaw. He netted his second with another great strike.
Okehampton were awarded a penalty, but the keeper saved from Dean Garrett to keep it level at half-time.
Okehampton lost Steve Paddon with an ankle injury and Kingsley Arthurs replaced him at the back.
Elmore were gifted a soft goal when a throw-in was short and keeper Neil Clift could do little as the striker tapped home.
Shaw completed his hat-trick with a cracking volley at the far post after great work from Robert Sandercock.
With Okehampton coasting, Elmore had the luck of the ball when a striker's shot hit Steve Trigger's thigh and wrong-footed Clift.
Clift pulled a superb save from a free kick after the referee had punished Okehampton's midfield for arguing.
Men of the match: Robert Sandercock, Tim Shaw.
This Saturday away to Lapford, 3pm kick-off. Players to meet at school gates 2pm.