Carlsberg South West Peninsula division one East

Okehampton Argyle 4

Alphington 1

AFTER suffering a 4–2 Monday evening defeat in a physical encounter away to Exeter Civil Service, Okehampton needed to get themselves back on track quickly and this they did with a comprehensive home victory over an Alphington side that finished above them last season.

The first half was a fairly even affair with both sides playing good open football and committed to attack.

Argyle had a slight edge and looked more dangerous. They took the lead after 20 minutes when a fierce shot from Brad Ausden wide on the right was pushed away by the visiting keeper for Corey Burns to slot home on the follow-up.

Argyle missed two good chances to extend their lead in the next few minutes as Luke Alden got behind the Alphington defence and fired in low crosses which only needed a touch into the net, but the home forwards were not alert enough to follow up.

On 25 minutes, the visitors were level. A mix-up between Okes' keeper Chris Dearing and defender Matt Mortimer saw Alphington's Matt Wonnacott capitalise to score a good goal from a narrow angle.

Nine minutes later, Argyle took the lead again with an outstanding goal. Ausden picked the ball up on the halfway line, outpaced his marker then fired a great crossfield pass to Luke Alden wide on the left. His deep cross was caught on the volley by Steve Madge on the right-hand edge of the box and the ball rocketed into the net before anyone could move.

Alphington pressed for an equaliser in the second half and with better finishing could have found themselves level. However, it was Okehampton who were to score next with a piece of Alden magic on 77 minutes. The midfielder picked up the ball wide on the left and cleverly dribbled past two defenders before firing home a rasping drive from 20 yards.

Argyle were well on top now and refreshed the midfield by using all three of their substitutes. With only a minute remaining, substitute Dave Smith pulled the ball back to Ed Squire and the midfielder stormed into the visitors' box before firing home a beautifully curled shot to complete the scoring.

This was an entertaining match and both sides deserve credit for serving up good attacking football with very few fouls. The crowd were also able to see some superb goals. Ausden and Alden were outstanding for Okehampton, but the whole team played well and some tremendous work was put in in midfield by Ed Squire and Rob Clarke.

n On Saturday in the Carlsburg South West Peninsula division one East Okehampton Argyle play away to Budleigh Salterton, kick-off 3pm; in the Devon and Exeter League Okehampton Argyle Reserves are home to Axminster Town Reserves, kick-off 3pm.