Devon and Exeter premier

OKEHAMPTON ARGYLE 3

CHAGFORD 0

IT was Okehampton Argyle’s first game of the new year but normal proceedings for the team at Simmons Park on Saturday. 

After a barren spell of games throughout November and December Argyle were happy to have a fixture to get excited about - particularly this ‘Moorlander derby’.

With a few changes to the Argyle line up and a new loan addition in Luke Mortimore, Okehampton started well. The referee laid down his intentions early and sin binned Argyle’s Ausden in the second minute for a verbal infringement.

The match proved a good workout for a number of the Argyle defensive players who needed it after injury and illness. It was Brad Ausden who put the home side in front.

Okehampton soon doubled their lead after some good battling in midfield found the ball at Ausden’s feet; he released Mortimore who went through and slotted pass the Chagford keeper to make it 2-0 at half time but the game still in the balance.

A slower start for Argyle to the second half was due to forced changes as Squire had to go off for a nasty injury to his foot.  Ten minutes later, Argyle put together before a great move with the ball worked through 10 passes with one-two touches before Ausden fired home again to seal the game for 3-0.

The game slowed after this again with Okehampton in control. A coming together in the Chagford box upset the away keeper who was then shown a straight red for abusive language.

The dying minutes saw the most entertainment of the game when Argyle broke again through Luke Mortimore; he rounded the stand in keeper three times before passing to Ausden who was on a hat trick – eight yards out with only the goal line to beat though, he blazed it over the bar. 

Man of the match was Argyle’s Craig Penberthy.