Crediton United 2 - Plymouth Marjons 0

South West Peninsula League East

THIS was a special memorial game to celebrate the life of former manager Trevor Atkins (1941-2022).

Trevor had been one of Crediton’s most successful managers and it was good to see a sizeable proportion of the crowd in attendance were familiar with him and his football exploits. 

The game was sponsored by former player Steve Paddon. 

A healthy crowd of 157 were present. 

Crediton went four points clear at the top of the league with this win over Marjons, which was the same scoreline as the away match against the students down in Plymouth. 

Ethan Chalke deputised for Jack Arthur in goal and significantly we saw the return of captain Aidan Whitfield at full back, and he was the catalyst for this fine win. 

It was a game you probably would expect Crediton to win comfortably, given the form the players are in this season, but nothing should be taken for granted against a hardworking and very young side from West Devon. 

With Dan Preece replacing Max Gillard at centre-half and Kieran Knight returning to his familiar position on the left, Crediton’s format was unchanged, and they soon began to take charge of the football and laid siege to their opponent’s goal. 

However, it was Marjons who very nearly opened the scoring as Aidan Whitfield was responsible for a clumsy challenge inside the area and the referee had an easy decision to make and pointed to the spot. 

The fouled striker took the penalty himself and much to his disbelief saw the shot kept out brilliantly by Crediton keeper Ethan Chalke and so the game remained scoreless. 

This was ultimately significant as it would prove to be the closest the away team got to opening their account. 

Crediton still continued to attack with Oakley Bennett in particular proving a cool customer in midfield and Adam Bilcock was in terrific form with his slick passing and vision of where the game was going. 

Adam has really found his best position in the deep role he has adopted this season and has been one of the team’s very best this season. 

Then after 32 minutes Aidan Whitfield picked up the ball in his own half and ran forward about 20 yards before he unleashed a shot of fiery proportions, and the ball flew into the top corner of the visitors net with the goalie nowhere near. 

The cheer from the crowd was a mighty one as this absolute corker of a goal went in. 

Very similar to the strike Harvey Dorothy unleashed to win the game against Sidmouth toward the end of last year. 

Crediton were now in full control after this blinder and took a narrow lead into the break. 

It’s fair to say that the home side never truly hit the heights as they have done in recent weeks, and particularly the highs of the match at Ivybridge in which they were amazing, but you can only beat the team you are playing and this they did. 

Two minutes into the second half they doubled their lead as Aidan once more surged into the opposition half and after a period of Crediton possession he chipped the ball beautifully into the top left hand corner with the keeper clutching at thin air. 2-0. 

Ryan White shot just wide and after a jinking run from substitute Sam Stapleton the ball went just over as Crediton sought for a third. 

Passes went astray more than usually but there was no denying Crediton’s superiority. 

With eight minutes to go one of Marjons players was sent off after a clumsy challenge that should really have been a yellow, which was a shame. 

This was the first sending off this season for the students. 

Aidan Whitfield nearly claimed his third but his goal-bound effort was well saved by the goalkeeper, after fine work from Alfie Down, but ultimately Crediton had done enough. 

With Okehampton not playing, Kirton are now four points clear with Okehampton having two games in hand. 

Somewhat more of a danger is that of Brixham who now have five games in hand but are nine points behind, so the race for the title is still on. 

What an exciting finish to the season we have and thanks to Ben, Jack and the boys for giving us a season to saver. 

Crediton team: Chalke, Whitfield (c), Knight, Bilcock, Johnson, Preece, Bennett, Howe, White, Dorothy  and Pike. 

Subs: Stapleton, Chambers, Down and Corrick.

Man of the Match: Aidan Whitfield.

Paul Whittall