Moorland bragging rights for Okehampton Argyle

A fabulous first-half double from Dan Koita proved enough for Okehampton Argyle to secure a 2-0 victory in a terrific Moorland derby at Bovey Tracey in the Peninsula League.

The Okes have only tasted defeat once in the league this season, while Bovey are struggling in the bottom three, but the game, played in windy conditions, was far closer than divisional positions would suggest.

In the end, it was the clinical finishing of Koita that proved the difference, opening his account with a calm strike from a Josh Coles cross. Five minutes before half-time, Koita had his second, brilliantly turning his man before a thunderous strike into the back of the net.

Bovey were full of effort and endeavour in the second half, and while they were unable to breach the Oke defence, it was a performance that will give the home side heart ahead of the weekend cup trip to Torridgeside.

Unfortunately, the game proved to be the last in charge for Bovey boss Tony Radford, who stood down from his role as first-team manager.

A Bovey Tracey statement said: “It’s been a pleasure to have such a dedicated, passionate and overall great leader at the club for the last 18 months, stepping up when it mattered and guiding us to a second-place finish last season. Tony encapsulated everything that we believe to be important at Bovey Tracey, so we wish to express our gratitude for his time here and wish him all the best for the future.”

The Okes are also on the road in the cup on Saturday, away to Callington Town, while the last 16 draw for the Devon Bowl has handed Argyle a home tie against fellow Peninsula League side Newton Abbot Spurs.

Luke Steer was the goalscoring hero for Tavistock, as he bagged a brace in their superb 3-1 victory over Horndean in the FA Trophy. Liam Prynn was also on target for the Lambs and Steer spoke with the club website after the game.

“We’re over the moon and more money in the holiday fund,” said Steer. “It was a really good performance and we deservedly saw the game out to go through to the next round.

“I said last week that I need to score more goals and add that to my game, so I was delighted to get two. The first one was a tap-in and the second was nice to sit the ‘keeper down. Hopefully, the goals continue and I can keep it going.”

After a challenging start to the campaign, Ivybridge Town are emerging as the team to watch in the Jewson Western League.

The weekend presented a tricky trip to Ilfracombe Town and a game played in blustery conditions against a home side embarking on a new era after the departure of their long-serving manager.

The Ivies have played a lot better in matches this season but this late victory was all about character and determination, CJ Pritchard grabbing the only goal in the closing minutes after great work from Rory Busby.

Back to the Devon Bowl, and Ivybridge have a home draw against Torridgeside from the Peninsula League.