Alphington 2-2 Okehampton Argyle

This was a good result for the Okes, but it could have been so much better. With five minutes remaining, Okehampton led 2 – 0 having looked the better team all afternoon, but stupidly they tried to play out the last ten minutes and waste time, ignoring the fact that they are far better going forward than defending.
The first half was dominated by Argyle. Chance after chance went begging while Alphington seldom threatened the Okes’ goal. As has been the case in recent weeks, the forwards struggled to convert the many chances created into goals, but Steve Williams was unlucky when he ran through onto a beautiful through ball from Chris Wills and unleashed a fierce shot, which the Alphas’ keeper brilliantly pushed over the bar. After 20 minutes, Phil Evans gave Okey the lead when he let loose with a strong shot from the edge of the box, which took a slight deflection off a defender before beating the Alphington goalkeeper.
After the break, Okehampton continued to have the better of the play. Chris Wills and Robbie Miller worked tirelessly in midfield and took the eye with their skilful play, and Rob Clarke always looked alert and likely to create a chance. Meanwhile, James Williams had a faultless afternoon in the centre of defence.
On 70 minutes, Okehampton won a free kick wide on the right. Chris Wills delivered a perfect cross to the far post where left back Matt Mortimer ghosted in to power an unstoppable header into the net and double Okey’s lead. The Okes always looked dangerous when they attacked and this is what they should have continued to do, but unfortunately they tried to shut up shop. With five minutes remaining, Alphington won a corner and Jason Warren reduced the arrears. Then within a minute, Alphington were level, when they won the ball in the centre circle. While some of the Okes players stood and appealed for a foul rather than continuing to play on, Alphington played the ball forward for Danny Tyrell to slot home the equaliser.
So all in all a disappointing result for the Okes although a very good performance. One or two of the players need to learn to play to the whistle and not to be naïve enough to think the referee is going to change his decision several seconds later. However, this was a performance to build on and every one of the players gave 100 percent all afternoon.