Carlsberg South West Peninsula division one East

Liverton Utd 7

Okehampton Argyle 2

OKEHAMPTON were forced by absent players to bring in three ones making their debut for the club.

In the event, Argyle’s 12 man squad put in a tremendous first half performance and led 2-1 at half time but a disputed refereeing decision early in the second half completely changed the course of this game.

Argyle were slow out of the blocks and their makeshift defence with forward Ed Bradshaw having to play at centre half was outpaced in the third minute when Ryan Beattie ran onto a long through ball to give Liverton the lead.

However, Okehampton fought back with new signing Liam McDonald having an outstanding game in midfield and it was his beautifully weighted pass wide to the right that Brad Ausden latched onto and controlled before firing home a great goal from just inside the box.

On 31 minutes, Okehampton took the lead after good work by debutant Owen Craig saw Steve Kinsey turn and fire in a fine goal from 15 yards.

Seconds after the interval, Argyle’s defence was again caught flat footed and Finch scored for Liverton to restore parity. A few minutes later, the game took a bizarre turn when with Argyle pressurising the home defence, James Williams was hacked down in the penalty area. The referee blew immediately and as everyone started to line up for the penalty kick, he gave the free kick the other way for what he saw as simulation. To add insult to injury, Liverton immediately played the ball downfield for Finch to give them the lead. They added another later through Summerfield but the game was still close until 10 minutes from time when Williams had to leave the field with an injury.

With no-one to replace him, Argyle had to finish with 10 men and Liverton scored three more through Finch, Summerfield and Parkin.

All credit to the lads who did turn up and play – this scoreline certainly flattered the home side. Liam McDonald was the man of the match for Argyle but special mention should be made of left back William Hutchison who made his South West Peninsula League debut at the age of 46 and did not put as foot wrong all afternoon.