Devon & Exeter Premier

Okehampton Argyle 2

Exeter University 1

LEAGUE leaders University came to Okehampton on Saturday looking to clinch the Premiership title against the side they thrashed 10-0 only a couple of months ago.

A large crowd turned up to witness a possible goal feast. University brought several bottles of champagne to toast their title triumph - but Argyle became party poopers as they outplayed their opponents from the first whistle.

Within five minutes Argyle should have been two-up as Neil Agnew and Adam Mortimer both had shots saved by the keeper, but moments later Mortimer scored with a sweet left-foot volley.

Argyle could not have dreamed of a better start as every player won every individual battle, and every tackle and header as they closed down and outfought a useful University side.

The only efforts against Argyle were shots from distance which were all wide or high. Graham Soby was recalled to defence and he and Kevin Gill and Mike Vernon were outstanding against a strike force who had scored 117 goals before the start of this game.

A mix-up in defence allowed a University striker to cross the ball for an headed equaliser. Everybody thought the goals would start flowing, but Argyle never read the script and continued to make life hard for the visitors.

Neil Agnew had to go off with a pulled hamstring and was replaced by Daniel Johnston who with his pace caused problems down the left flank as did Paul Yip down the right.

Argyle's lead was rightly restored just before the interval when Mortimer cut inside from the left, headed the ball past the onrunning defender and unleashed a shot which the keeper could only parry. Goal-poacher Jason Sandford was following up and knocked in the loose ball from close range.

After the break Argyle continued to dominate. Nick Drew, Ian King and the impressive Daniel Gibbs controlled the midfield with ease. As University pushed forward looking for an equaliser they left gaps at the back which the front two of Mortimer and Sandford exploited, helped by the midfield.

University huffed and puffed but could not find a way through a well organised defence. Home keeper Richard Bailey was mainly a bystander, so little was he called into action during the 90 minutes.

This was an excellent team performance with every player contributing to a well deserved victory.

Argyle complete their league fixtures on Bank Holiday Monday against Sidmouth, kick-off 3pm. Players to meet at 2pm.