CREDITON Youth Under 16 girls football team, played their eagerly awaited County Cup final on Good Friday at Devon FA Headquarters, Newton Abbott.

With a good following of seasoned supporters, the girls set off to enjoy a final that had been disappointingly postponed earlier in the month. To some of the players this would be their first cup final after coming so close last season on two occasions.

A stronger team this season had been well prepared by coaches and manager Ian Salter for a difficult final against Morley Rangers from Plymouth who, last season, had been runners-up in the competition.

On a breezy chilly morning, with the team in good sprits and looking forward to the great experience, the teams were presented to a large crowd and visiting dignitaries before the game began.

Feeling a bit nervous and cautious at the start, both teams took time to settle and get into their stride. Crediton starting the strongest, only to have Morley Rangers finishing the better of the teams in the first half, with no clear cut chances and both defences looking solid.

The second half saw Crediton playing more confident football with a more direct approach.

With Crediton midfield quartet of Sophie Stevens, Caragh O'Brien, Stephanie Phillips and Louise Page taking a strong grip on the match, Crediton started to create more chances.

Ten minutes into the second half, with good interlinking play, gave striker Amy Salter the first clear cut chance. With quick thinking plus her low, powerful shot, caught out the Morley goalkeeper, the ball squeezing under her body from a narrow angle to give the Mid Devon team the lead.

After this goal you would have thought Crediton would settle and continue to play the attractive football that had been their trademark for most of this season, but it seemed to spur on their opponents and for the next 10 minutes the girls had to defend to prevent a resurgent Morley team from scoring.

The turning point of the game, in many peoples eyes, was a superb last gasp tackle by centre half Jody Rawlinson on the edge of Crediton's goal area that stopped a certain equaliser. After this moment the tide turned.

One move saw Amy Salter beat four players with the ball appearing to be glued to her foot. The finish saw the ball hit both posts and end up in the goalkeeper's arms.

With more and more chances not being taken would Crediton finish off their opponents?

With five minutes to go, the industrious Hannah Stubbs linked with Amy Salter to finish a neat move to double Crediton's lead.

The second goal deflated Morley Rangers and with time running out, Crediton held on to be Champions and bring home their first ever piece of silverware.

In his post match interview Manager Ian Salter said he was: "Very proud of all my players, in the way they played, battled and conducted themselves."

Ian also thanked the supporters, parents and coaches who helped "on this proud day."

So, a great day was had by players and supporters, but the journey continues with the girls next match - the League Cup Final to be played at Ottery St Mary.

GG