CREDITON 5

BRIXHAM 2

ON Tuesday, October 20, Creddy entertained the blues from Brixham, who were looking to bag the much-needed three league points which would elevate them onto the dizzying cusp of the top eight.

The gaffer made just the solitary change with the improving Dazza Pidge replacing the “sick note” Perry Carpenter.

Creddy lined up in a standard 4-3-3 formation, the visitors in a bolder version of the 4-3-3 keeping three up at all times.

The hosts started to dominate the early proceedings with the Brixham boys clearly struggling with the jetlag from their long journey up from South Devon.

Creddy took the lead on 10 minutes, Si Durrant notching with a beaut of a strike past the 6ft 8inch custodian to put the hosts one up.

The hamstring curse cruelly struck again, with Si Greggs struck down. Unfortunate, as he has strung together a solid 90 minutes for his best run of form of the season so far. Parsons replaced him and was clearly disorientated from his recent adventures as Brixham instantly looked a threat after his entry to the pitch.

From nowhere Brixham hit a double blow to swing the game full tilt. Firstly a 25-yard daisy cutter into the bottom corner drew parity on 19 and then, on 22 minutes, a low finish from inside the area just evaded Waring to give the away side a 2-1 lead.

Back came the hosts though and a low pull back from the left edge by Morish gave Durrant a simple tap in to make the score 2-2 on 28 minutes.

Creddy were looking good when Dave Lee and Skinns were getting on the ball and playing short. Morish and Dazza providing the width and Broomer bombing on from right back, gave the team great balance.

Creddy took the lead through Blakey on 39 minutes to bring the first half goal fest to a close.

After their shaky 15 minute spell Creddy rejigged at the break with Skinns shifting to right back (did a Raheem Sterling job there), Trendy to centre-mid and Broomer to centre-half which gave the side a more solid look.

Brixham’s ploy of going on an all out attack backfired as the hosts had so much time to attack into the space.

Durrant with a slick finish from a Parsons through ball gave them a 4-2 cushion on 55 and Durrant amazingly notched his fourth of the night on 59 minutes with a delightful finish which brought at least two claps from the home fans.

Dazza Pidge was withdrawn on 65 minutes and looked absolutely “custard-creamed” and was replaced for Ollie Collins who broke a sequence of 19 consecutive unused substitute appearances.

Morish then hit the turbo down the left flank, burnt off two opposition defenders, and found himself eight-yards and dead central from the goal.

Unfortunately he needed to shoot the ball as high as he could with as much power as he could and his shot smashed the bar.

Down the other end a 25-yard piledriver from the Brixham centre mid was well palmed away from the onion bag by Waring.

Emlyn then showed his lack of self-confidence by bringing on a goalkeeper instead of himself to replace the baffled Blakey.

Blakey was clearly not happy to be replaced by a ‘keeper who hasn’t played outfield in a decade, for the last five minutes.

The hosts saw out this period and were worthy winners on the night to bag the points.

Another injury gained, let’s hope the hamstring curse eases up soon and we can get more bodies returning to the fold.

Nathan Keast