Carlsberg South West Peninsula one East

Okehampton Argyle 1

Stoke Gabriel 0

ARGYLE put in a tremendous hard working performance to edge a victory over third placed Stoke Gabriel at Simmons Park. The playing surface made good football difficult, but both teams strung together some impressive moves and both contributed fully to an exciting match. This was no stalemate – both teams came close on several occasions and only the woodwork and good goalkeeping kept the score down.

Argyle took the lead after eight minutes when a superb ball from Luke Alden allowed Brad Ausden to race through on the right and although Stoke keeper Matt Congdon managed to partially block his shot, the ball went into the net.

Both sides continued to create chances and on 25 minutes, Stoke's Dave Worthington had his shot parried by Harry Geering and cleared for a corner. Three minutes later, Brad Ausden was put clear but his shot hit Congdon and spun away for a corner.

After 35 minutes, Stoke's Dan Broadway, the East division's leading scorer, had a shot from edge of box palmed away by Geering and seven minutes later a Will Hawkings cross for Argyle found Ed Squire who put just over the bar. A minute before the break, Dan Broadway shot across the Argyle goal from a tight angle and onto the post.

Shortly after the restart, Stoke came close to levelling when Broadway's powerful header was pushed onto the underside of the crossbar by Geering and cleared off the line by the alert Argyle defence.

Back came Argyle and Brad Ausden and Steve Madge both saw efforts hit the post. Play continued to swing from end to end and although both teams missed good chances, Argyle had a slight edge and deserved to hold on for a tremendous victory.

All the Oke players played with skill and passion. Man of the match was captain Dale Chadwick for his defence and leading the team superbly.