Okehampton Argyle 1

Tavistock AFC 1

OKEHAMPTON came from behind for the second home game running to take a share of the spoils in the Dartmoor Derby against title favourites Tavistock at Simmons Park.

It was the perfect tonic for Argyle following their 'controversial' midweek defeat at Budleigh Salterton and ensured them the bragging rights over their neighbours for this season.

In similar fashion to the previous encounter between the two sides at Langsford Park back in September, Tavistock set the early pace with Lewis Edwards causing the home defence problems down the right flank.

It was no surprise that Tavistock took a deserved lead when the lively Edwards took a Maskell pass in his stride and crossed low for Jarryd Kelly to fire home from 12yards.

Almost immediately Okehampton manager Kevin Taylor switched his formation to nullify the threat down Argyle's left and slowly but surely they managed to get a foothold in the game.

Clear goal scoring opportunities were at a premium, but Argyle's Ed Squire fired a long range effort narrowly wide and Tom Reilly also went close with a header from a Toby Gostling corner, whilst at the other end both Lewis Edwards and Kelvin Fyneboy created good chances for themselves but shot wide.

Argyle arguably finished the half in the ascendancy but went in still 1-0 down at the break.

Tavistock again had the lion's share of possession at the start of the second half but Argyle's defence held firm. They fashioned an equaliser in the 65th minute when Tavistock keeper Martin Piper failed to come for Toby Gostling's free kick and the ball fell kindly to Chris Wills who didn't need a second invitation to lash the ball low into the Tavistock net.

Taylor then gave a debut to young second team striker Ross Voaden, who instantly began to create problems with his pace and movement as Argyle went in search of a winner.

For the next ten minutes chances came and went for Argyle as Oli Crimmins, Ross Voaden and Roger Bonaparte all went close and in another attack Tavistock's Josh Robbins picked up a yellow card for kicking out at Bonaparte.

Tavistock dominated the final fifteen minutes and were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute when Tom Reilly was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Hulme as he went to shoot, but Lee Rundle's well struck spot kick was tipped onto the post by Argyle's Harry Geering and away for a corner.

Argyle were defending heroically against wave after wave of Tavistock attacks, then with virtually the last kick of the game they won a free kick on the edge of the Tavistock penalty area and Josh Robbins, having already received one yellow card, was given another for kicking the ball away and was sent off.

As Toby Gostling's free kick was cleared, the referee's final whistle blew to bring to an end an enthralling encounter with the teams deadlocked at 1-1.