Hearts of Okes

Bayside Graphics Devon St Lukes Challenge Cup

OKEHAMPTON Argyle present a tricky challenge for Yellows as we begin our defence of the Bayside Graphics Devon St Lukes Challenge Cup at Simmons Park tonight.

The West Devon club spent 61 years, between 1932-1993, in the Devon and Exeter League and are now members of the South West Peninsula Premier East League. Do not be deceived by their current lowly league position, though - because of their cup exploits and not being able to fulfill a fixture when they fell victims to the weather, they have played only five league games.

Western League sides Buckland and Brixham succumbed to them in the Emirates FA Cup, which they eventually exited at the same first qualifying round stage as us, losing to Hellenic League team Highworth Town.

They are still in the FA Vase after wins against another Western League side, Wellington - in a match that took pace at Ladysmead - and Bude Town.

Two former Yellows have been regular selections for the Okes this term.

Jimmy Weeks, who put in some good performances in goal for us, was Lewis Williams’ able deputy a few seasons back, while striker Luke Mortimer came to us from Willand during their first season at Step 4, after scoring plenty of goals for them in the Western League in the previous campaign, although his time at Ladysmead was not particularly long. At Okehampton, however, he has a fantastic scoring record.

For the Yellows, this will be viewed as an opportunity to return to winning ways and they will be eager to bounce back after some disappointing results.

Okehampton having already taken three cup scalps from the level above them and will not be lacking in confidence. A keenly fought affair is anticipated and let us hope that, as holders, we can progress through to the next round.