UNIVERSITY OF EXETER 4

CREDITON UNITED 2

THIS was not one of Crediton’s finest performances in a game that was virtually over before the 10th minute.

By that time University were two goals to the good as a combination of mistakes and flat-footed defending cost the away side dear.

Firstly after the not fully fit Lawrence Khoo was caught in possession by Callum Miller who shot home past the despairing Waring after only two minutes.

Then, after eight minutes, a slick passing move from the students was clinically finished by Miller from the edge of the six-yard area. It was to prove too much for the away team who continued to struggle as the half progressed.

University missed a couple of glorious opportunities to put the game away before Crediton had even a sniff of a chance.

Crediton’s small squad is starting to take its toll and although they managed a magnificent 5-2 over Brixham in midweek, when they play one of the stronger teams it is starting to show.

With Emlyn Harris playing on his own up front and Richard Blake playing wide on the right there was not much going on in the way of outlets for the obvious passing skills of the likes of Durrant, Lee and Trenaman. Steve Morish also found it hard to get into the game wide on the left.

The unfortunate Khoo was taken off and replaced by Jamie Parsons who went straight into the centre of defence, Craig Skinner being pushed into an unfamiliar right back role and Waller switching to the left.

After 25 minutes it was three as once again the extra guile and pace of the students created a great chance which was taken by the excellent Miller once more.

Richard Blake missed a golden opportunity to pull one back from a swirling cross from Morish on the left.

The game was marred throughout by a swirling wind (it always seems to be windy here) which the students countered by playing a passing game, keeping the ball on the ground and not hoofing the ball around as some teams seem to want to do.

Towards the very end of the half Crediton came into the game and were rewarded with a goal from Emlyn Harris from a corner on the left.

After helping ourselves to a hot cuppa in the empty tea bar area we then trooped out for the second period.

The general opinion was not of great optimism among the travelling support.

In truth Crediton battled well considering the state of affairs and although University went further ahead through Ben Mogg, the away side kept themselves in the game with a goal from Simon Durrant, again from a corner on the left.

With 10 minutes left it was 4-2 but despite some huffing and puffing from both sides it was all over.

A deserved win for University on a ground that Crediton never seem to do all that well on.