A NEW South West Peninsula League season has begun and Crediton’s young guns opened their account with a workmanlike performance against returning new boys, Stoke Gabriel.

With several familiar faces absent or having left the club there were a number of new faces and everyone equipped themselves well.

There was no Adam Bilcock, Kevin Pike or captain Aidan Whitfield and sadly no Dan Preece.

The game was only two minutes old when the home side took the lead as a pleasing passing move led to Luke White smartly opening his account for his new club.

Stoke started quite brightly, obviously a young side not short on confidence but disaster was to strike half-way through the first half as they had a man harshly sent off by the referee after a clumsy challenge on Sam Stapleton.

This shifted the balance of power firmly into Crediton’s hands and they proceeded to dominate.

After 18 minutes Lewis Wilson had a goal chalked off for offside although it didn’t look like the right call was made much to Lewis’s chagrin.

Then it was the turn of Harvey Dorothy to go close, but his turn and shot could only find the side setting.

Just before half-time Crediton doubled their advantage as Harvey Dorothy placed a header in at the far post after fine work by Lewis Wilson making it 2-0.

The second half was a very even affair as both sides played their part.

Stoke, to their credit, never gave in or shirked a challenge as they continued to play a pressing game and showed themselves to be full of energy considering they were down to 10.

There were good performances from the Crediton lads.

In particular Alfie Down and Mike Lilley were solid in midfield. Dave Lee found himself alongside Dre Johnson in the back four and played a near perfect game.

Up front Lewis Wilson, a close season signing from Exeter City, looked lively as did Luke White.

One of last season’s heroes, Oakley Bennett, was unfortunately taken off with a nasty looking injury that hopefully won’t keep him out for long.

All in all a great start for the Kirton although it was tough on Stoke to have to play around 70 minutes with 10 men.

Crediton team - Bailey, Bennett, Knight, Lee, Johnson, Lilley, White, Dorothy, Wilson, Down and Stapleton. Subs: Radford, Stephens, Warren, Hale and Corrick.

Man of the Match - Alfie Down.

Paul Whittall