Devon Premier Cup

Okehampton Argyle 1

Boca Seniors 1

(Boca won tie on penalty shoot-out)

AFTER four previous attempts to play this match had been washed out by the weather, it finally took place on Saturday and what a stirring cup tie this proved to be. Both teams deserve great credit for playing outstanding football on a difficult surface and for playing with such passion and pride.

Argyle were missing four first team regulars and were without a recognised keeper, but central defender James Williams did an outstanding job as goalkeeper. Dave Smith, Matt Sanders, Aron Ditchburn and Tom Williams stepped up and did the club proud.

Boca are recent winners of this competition and consistent winners of the North Devon Premier League and showed that they could easily compete at Peninsula league level if they desired.

The first half was even and both teams worked hard to produce an opening. Boca had more territorial possession and made the Argyle defenders work hard, but Okehampton's forwards produced the more dangerous thrusts.

Aron Ditchburn and Dave Smith thrown into a reorganised back four alongside Dale Chadwick and Chris Wills tackled resolutely throughout and the defence looked very strong in front of Williams.

The Argyle midfield also worked hard to come back and help out their defence and a tremendous team spirit was evident. Half time arrived with the score still at 0 – 0.

Early into the second half Aron Ditchburn left the field with a groin injury and was replaced by substitute Tom Williams — both made their first team debut and neither put a foot wrong.

Argyle came close to taking the lead on 63 minutes when Dale Chadwick's header fell to Ed Squire five yards out and Boca keeper Jimmy Thorne did superbly to push the ball round the post for a corner. Seven minutes later, Boca came back and a rare defensive error allowed Matthew Deacon to fire home from close range to give them the lead. Argyle pushed Chadwick forward to try to save the game. Luke Alden put Boca on the rack with some superb runs down the left and the ball was constantly crossing the Boca goalmouth.

On 80 minutes, Thorne again pulled off a brilliant save to stop a header from Squire crossing the line. Argyle kept pressing until with two minutes left, Steve Madge controlled the ball in the box, rounded his man and fired an unstoppable shot past Thorne from ten yards to send the tie into extra time.

In extra time both tired sides threw caution to the wind and although chances were made, none were converted and the match came down to a penalty shoot-out.

Boca netted all five of their penalties to Argyle's four to go through to the next round.

A word of praise is due to all the players not previously mentioned. The midfield of Ed Squire, Matt Sanders, Rob Clarke and Luke Alden all worked tirelessly and showed considerable skill and the front runners Steve Kinsey and Steve Madge never gave up chasing an opening. Man of the match was captain Dale Chadwick