South West Peninsula League East

CREDITON UNITED 2

TOTNES AND

DARTINGTON 1

CREDITON showed great strength of character to overcome their rivals from south Devon as Matt Trenaman's 85th minute strike from close range won the game for the home side, thus moving them up to fifth place in the table.

Although they had beaten Totnes a couple of weeks ago by 2-0 at Foxhole there was no indication that the visitors were going to capitulate easily.

In fact they started marginally the stronger, but as Crediton got into the game they posed a greater threat in attack.

There was a growing confidence in the home side having held table-topping Exwick to a draw the previous week and with Kenny Ord up front, there was more of a threat there, even though he failed to score.

The first real opportunity fell to Kenny. A sublime ball from Perry Carpenter put him clean through and only a fantastic save from the goalie kept the scores level.

Crediton did break the deadlock however after 20 minutes as Perry Carpenter converted a penalty after a "mazy" run, which ended with him being tripped in the box.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Five minutes later it was Perry again, with a splendid free kick, that was tipped over the bar by the 'keeper who kept his side in the game.

Totnes reaped the rewards of these efforts and started to emulate Crediton's fine passing game with some keen observations of their own.

At half-time it was 1-0 to Kirton, but the second half was only five minutes old when Totnes grabbed their equaliser.

An unmarked header from Rob Newsom from Liam Collings' free kick made it all square.

Crediton heads did not drop and five minutes later the goalie had to be alert as Steve Goss did everything but score, being thwarted by a fine double save.

The game swung this way and that with both sides exerting pressure on the other and with Crediton marshalled at the back by Trenaman and Scott Boardman, the home side held firm.

Despite missing the creativity of Adam Bilcock in midfield they were inexhaustible in their efforts and were finally rewarded by Trendy's late winner from a corner on the right.

The score could still have gone pear shaped, mind you, if it had not been for a great reflex save from Lee "Creddyead" Waring in the Crediton goal which meant the lead remained intact.

With three points for the lads and a trip to Budleigh tomorrow, hopefully they can keep chasing the breakaway four and keep the unbeaten run going.

PW