Devon and Exeter premier

Okehampton Argyle 3

Lapford 2

LAPFORD came to Okehampton on Saturday being the only other team in the league not to have lost a game so Argyle knew they were in for a tough afternoon.

Okehampton had to start strong and they did not disappoint, dominating the opening exchanges before Brad Ausden fired home on seven minutes to give them the lead.

Argyle carried on in this manner and the back three of Hawkins, Chadwick and Atherton played excellently to stifle a lively Lapford attack on numerous occasions.

Midway through the first half Oke were forced to substitute striker Ausden due to a reoccurring thigh injury but this did not stop them playing the attacking football that’s one of the main reasons why they are top of the league.

Lapford managed to gather themselves after 30 minutes and started to threaten the Argyle goal with Dearing having to pull off some good saves before the visitors forced the ball over the line on 38 minutes following a goalmouth scramble. The teams went into half-time 1-1 a piece.

The second half started in much the same manner as the first half with Oke on top for large portions of the play with Lapford only managing the odd counterattack which was dealt with comfortably by the Argyle back three.

Ross Voaden came off the bench as Oke reshuffled the midfield and this added some additional pace to the attack which helped keep visitors on the back foot.

It took until the 75th minute for Argyle to break a resolute Lapford defence following some excellent work from Voaden to put Okehampton 2-1 in front.

Rather than hold on for the 2-1, Argyle carried on pressing the visitors and were rewarded five minutes later when Voaden stole in to get his second and Okehampton’s third on the 80th minute which seemed to settle their supporters’ nerves around the ground.

At this point Lapford were throwing everything at Argyle and forced the defence to make countless last-minute tackles and Dearing had to be on form to keep them out. This did not last, however, and Lapford scored their second on 85 minutes.

The last five minutes appeared to last a lifetime for the home side as Lapford continued to press; the Oke defence stated to tire after standing strong all game but the visitors were unable to find a way through and Oke held out for a much deserved victory leaving them top of the league; they are now the only team in the division to have not lost a game.