Crediton United 3 - Elburton Villa 0

South West Peninsula League East

IT’S a fact, Crediton is on fire and is on the best starting run of the season for years.

Under new management they have gathered together a squad of old faces and new talent, and its really paying off on the field.

After the opening draw they were a trifle unlucky not to record a win against Newton Abbot Spurs. They have beaten Elmore and Bridport and followed that up with their biggest win of the season so far, with a thoroughly convincing display against Elburton.

Kevin Pike is taking forward duties alongside the considerable presence of James Mudge.

Before the game it was pointed out that local legend Ian Grinney was the match ball sponsor. Well done Ian!

Crediton were immediately on the front foot.

In the ninth minute only a brilliant save from the visiting goalie prevented Kevin Pike from opening the scoring.

Then after a lengthy delay in which Aidan Whitfield was treated for a nasty bang on the nose, the long delayed free kick of Oakley Bennett hit the post.

Then Marcus Howe missed a golden opportunity when the midfielder was alone in the box, but he only managed to screw his shot wide.

It was now all Kirton and after 37 minutes Marcus made up for his previous indiscretion and opened the scoring after the goalkeeper spilled a shot from Kieran Knight.

Marcus duly gobbled up the rebound. Then, a minute before half-time the moment of the match occurred after sublime build-up play that included a ball of just perfection from Mudgee. The ball was pounced on by Kevin Pike and he walloped it into the corner. What a finish and what a goal!

Early in the second-half it looked as though Dave Lee was fouled from behind in the area, but the ref saw nothing wrong despite howls of derision all around.

Then the game became a bit of a squabble and the handbags came out regularly.

There were a few bookings that to me seemed unnecessary when the ref could have had words instead.

Then, with just under 10 minutes left, Crediton made it three.

A direct ball was not dealt with by the Villa boys and the first to pounce was the white head-banded Oakley Bennett who clinically shot home.

Substitutes were made but the game fizzled a little in the last few minutes and Elburton were denied a consolation goal by the woodwork, but this was a deserved win for the home side and put them up to third in the table.

Dave Lee had another wonderful game in midfield while at the back the four lads showed that they are becoming quite a reliable unit.

Clean sheets are hard to come by and they have two already.

With Mudgee and KP upfront there appears to be a lot going for this team. With players of the calibre of Guy Allum, Adam Bilcock and Will Hamill waiting in the wings, hopefully progress will continue to be made this year. Well done lads!

Crediton Team; Chalk, Whitfield, Knight, Lee, Johnson, Goss, Howe, Bennett, Mudge, Stapleton and Pike - Subs: Ord, Tottell and Phillips.

Man of the Match - Steve Goss.Paul Whittall