Devon Veterans

OKEHAMPTON ARGYLE VETERANS 2

NORTH TAWTON VETERANS 1

THE second match of the season between the local veterans rivals was a fiercely contested game as was expected.

Playing on the 3G pitch at Ashbury requires a slightly different approach to a grass pitch and North Tawton started well.

They pinned Okehampton in their own half for large periods of the first half, using the strong wind in their favour well. North Tawton had several chances from corners and free kicks but despite some aerial dominance they never managed to make it count.

Argyle got things together after half an hour and started retaining the ball; this allowed some progress up the pitch and led to a couple of chances which were spurned before Rob Holland lashed a ball in from the edge of the box giving visiting keeper Dick Turner no chance. This lead was maintained until half time.

Playing with the wind in the second half, Okehampton started well but never took advantage of this period. North Tawton then moved down the left wing and Richard Keast cut inside, beating the defender,the wordens

and scored with a low drive at the near post to level the game.

Argyle then had a couple of opportunities which they failed to take and the game slowed and became a more tactical battle. The last 15 minutes saw Okehampton control most of the possession and this was rewarded when Tom Reilly, making his veterans’ debut, moved out from his centre half position and charged down the left flank; he did not stop and was rewarded with the winning goal after cutting in, rounding the keeper and prodding the ball over the line.

After the heat of the battle, both teams mingled for after-match hospitality at the pub with discussions now fixed on the return league fixture at The Wordens which may well decide the league winners.