Carlsberg South West Peninsula division one east

Galmpton United 3

Okehampton Argyle 3

IN keeping with what has been a topsy turvey pre-season, Okehampton went into the game missing several players and produced a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ performance before coming away with a share of the spoils in their opening League game at much fancied Galmpton United.

In a first half, largely dominated by the home side, Argyle defended resolutely but Galmpton were well worth the 2-0 lead they took into the break courtesy of a fine run and finish by the lively Liam Jones and a cross-cum-shot from George Dandridge.

It could have been so much better for Argyle but the usually reliable Jason Cordice snatched at a chance when well-placed and saw another effort come back off a post with the keeper beaten.

When Dan Broadway added a third for Galmpton with a close range header in the 54th minute, all looked lost for Argyle, until manager Kevin Taylor switched to a 3-5-2 formation on the hour.

Almost immediately Jason Cordice reduced the arrears with a clever lob and eight minutes later Josh Harris headed home a Matt Sanders free kick and an unlikely comeback was on the cards. Josh Harris then did well to set up Jason Cordice but his goal bound effort lacked power and was cleared.

Not to be outdone, with ten minutes to play, last season’s top scorer made it 3-3 when he produced a flash of brilliance to control a cross from Oli Crimmins before whipping a shot high into the top corner.

In truth, the exertion at getting back into the game saw Argyle tire rapidly as they were hanging on in the closing stages but they could have won it in the last minute, when Josh Harris’s free kick took a wicked deflection past the Galmpton keeper but was cleared off the line.

Argyle manager Kevin Taylor was delighted to have come from three down to take a point but knows his side cannot afford to give themselves a mountain to climb too often this season.