East Devon Senior Cup final Heavitree Utd Seconds 2 Okehampton Argyle 2 (after extra time Okehampton won 3-1 on penalties) OKEHAMPTON?s name is to be engraved on a major knock-out cup for the first time in 52 years after they overcame league leaders Heavitree. This was a classic final with both teams playing some excellent football, providing a large crowd with some nail biting entertainment. After Argyle had beaten Witheridge in the semi-final taking them to extra time and penalties, little did they think that this would be repeated in the final. But all credit to the young Argyle side (with still one or two players carrying slight injuries) for making this happen. After early pressure from Heavitree, Argyle shocked the favourites by scoring a breakaway goal in the tenth minute. Steve Williams chased down a back pass to the Heavitree keeper, who lost control of the ball between his legs, which allowed Williams to snatch it away and score. Both keepers were kept busy over the next 15 minutes, with Heavitree looking the more dangerous, so it really was no surprise when after 25 minutes they equalised with a low shot from the edge of the box. Just before half time Heavitree were unlucky not to score when they hit the upright from a headed free kick, but by that stage Argyle deserved a bit of luck. The same thing happened to Argyle two minutes into the second half when Paul Yip, on for injured Chris Wills, forced the keeper to tip the ball onto the post and out for a corner. Some excellent defending from Mike Vernon and James Williams plus a few good saves from Chris Dearing, kept the dangerous Heavitree forwards at bay. It was Argyle?s Robbie Sandercock who came closest to scoring that vital second goal 15 minutes from time, his shot coming off the keeper before bouncing up to hit the bar and back into the grateful keeper?s arms. The game moved into extra time without any further score, with both sides beginning to feel the effect of the fast and furious pace. Half way through the first half, a cracking goal from Heavitree?s No 10 looked to have secured a victory for the Exeter Club. But Argyle threw on a couple of pairs of fresh legs, with Nick Drew and Danny Maddax coming on in midfield for the second half. With time running out it was Steve Williams who was Argyle?s saviour, his speed took him clear of the Heavitree defence and a pinpoint cross gave Robbie Sandercock the chance to equalise and take the game into penalties. Heavitree, who had their first spot kick saved by Chris Dearing then missed two of the next three, conceded the game to a jubilant Okehampton Argyle. A perfect day concluded with the Mayor and Mayoress of Okehampton welcoming the team home in Fore Street with their congratulations, emulating events of 52 years ago. l Okehampton have the chance to add another trophy to their cabinet when they meet Witheridge in the final of the Okehampton Cup at Simmons Park on Sunday, kick off 2.30pm.
