South West Peninsula Division one East

Okehampton Argyle 2

Totnes and Dartington 3

ARGYLE pulled together to make a competitive match out of this fixture after being rocked by the midweek resignations of manager Kevin Taylor and secretary Michelle Taylor.

On the day Argyle battled hard throughout and were always in the game but Totnes played the better football and were deserving winners.

The visitors took the lead on 35 minutes when a right wing cross from Mike Hartridge came back off an Okehampton defender leaving Myles Chalcroft with the simple task of slotting home. There was no further scoring before half-time but Totnes looked the stronger side in midfield and Argyle were forced into playing hopeful long balls to their forwards.

Argyle started the second half determined to get back into the match and pushed forward down the slope but Totnes keeper Danny Wood made some fine saves to keep his side ahead. Argyle’s spirit was dampened 15 minutes after the break when captain Dale Chadwick was sent off for remarks made to the referee. Argyle’s ten men didn’t give up however and on 62 minutes, a corner from the left fell to Matt Mortimer who blasted home from ten yards to level the scores.

The extra man began to tell as the game went on and Joe Souch scored a fine individual goal to restore the visitors’ lead on 78 minute. Eight minutes later a long clearance fell to Chalcroft who played in Charlie Johansson to put Totnes 3-1 up. Argyle still kept trying to retrieve the game and with substitute Adam Mortimer on up front, they looked far more effective. Two minutes from time he rose to head home a corner at the far post and set up a grandstand finish, but Argyle were just unable to salvage a point.

Ben Bickle looked the best of the Argyle players although every one of them worked hard in difficult circumstances. Jamie Ware takes over as manager of the side with assistants James Williams and Reg Wonnacott. Charlie Bond will be interim first team secretary.

On Saturday Okehampton Argyle will play at home against Teignmouth in a 3pm kick-off.