AXMINSTER TOWN 2

CREDITON UNITED 3

THE return of Wayne Baker seemed to galvanise Crediton as they gave a good account of themselves in this narrow win over Axminster in the Throgmorton Cup.

In a three pronged attack with Dave Cockcroft and Richard Blake, Baker opened the scoring after persistent pressure following a corner from the left.

Scott Telford nearly made it two after a free kick before Axminster equalised through an Ollie Highet tap in after Telford and Lee failed to snuff out the danger on the left wing.

However, before half-time Crediton were ahead following a swift and direct move from the back, Dave Cockcroft lobbed Higgs in the Axminster goal from 35 yards out.

After the break Crediton came out strongly and soon went ahead through captain Matt Trenaman's penalty after Blake was tripped. Axminster still continued to push forward and this caused them to be exposed at the back on more than one occasion.

The Tigers came back and scored their second as striker Sam Dibling's speculative effort went in despite the despairing dive of Fred Tonkin, last week's saviour against the Marines.

With Scott Telford and Sam Strong imperious at the back it would have been tough on Crediton if they had conceded late on. Worthy winners none the less so a trip to Cullompton Rangers awaits in the next round.

Crediton team: Tonkin, Lee, Toms, Whelan, Telford, Strong, Boardman, Trenaman, Cockcroft, Blake, Baker, subs: Copp, Waring, not used Hoskins

Crediton's Man of the match was Scott Telford.

Bettis' brace floors Kirton

CREDITON UNITED 1

APPLEDORE 3

Appledore were far too strong for Crediton at Lords Meadow and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

With captain Ben Hoyland running the show from midfield, Crediton were well below their best with passes going astray and first touch control very poor.

They went behind after only 53 seconds as Steve Skinner punished some hesitant defending, but despite Appledore in the ascendancy for the rest of the first half there were no further goals.

In the second half Crediton began to get their game together and Scott Telford's header was brilliantly saved at point blank range from 'keeper Nicky Spry.

Adam Bilcock volleyed over from 10 yards and Telford was again foiled as his effort was cleared off the line.

After 66 minutes and a the run of play, Appledore scored their second.

Mark Bettis was left unmarked at the far post from a well placed corner and headed past Tonkin, who otherwise had a fine match, even showing a turn of pace and beating three men before being hauled down.

On 78 minutes it was 3-0 as Bettis lobbed the goalkeeper after a great run by Bright.

With six minutes left Crediton opened their account. After good work by Blake and Copp on the right Adam Bilcock's cross was headed goalwards by Matt Trenaman who hit the post only for the ball to hit Gary Skinner before finding the net.

Crediton Team: Tonkin, Lee, Copp, Telford, Boardman, Whelan, Bilcock, Trenaman, Baker, Blake, Cockcroft, subs: Toms, Rogers, Broome.

Crediton's Man of the Match was Lloyd Copp.

Crediton's has a home match tonight (Friday, October 2) against Alphington - kick off at 7.30pm.

PW