OKEHAMPTON Argyle just did enough to clinch all three points in this opening day encounter. Both defences had dominated the game keeping chances down to an absolute minimum.

However it was Argyle’s Ed Squires in the 68th who broke the deadlock.

Ben Bickle beat three defenders down the left before squaring across to Squires, who from the edge of the box beat the keeper in the bottom corner. away from his marker.

Manager Ed Bradshaw praised his side for beating a side who finished second last season and started last season by winning six on the trot.

‘Both teams worked hard and we had two or three chances to score. Our keeper, Aaron Dearing, made some quality saves. It was a good result. We can play better, we will play better but I’m pleased to take three points from our first game, especially against a team that will be challenging us for the title.

‘I’m optimistic this year. Last year we finished fourth and it was a consolidation season. This season we will be pushing to go up, although I think Elmore are the favourites.’

The manager is pleased to see the return of influential players Ben Bickle, Toby Gosling and James Williams.

‘We now have a squad of 16 to 18 players and its good to see the Reserves playing again and hoping to perhaps see some of the younger lads pushing to come through to the first team.’