TEIGNMOUTH 3 - CREDITON UNITED 2

CREDITON travelled to sunny Teignmouth on Saturday, January 14, knowing a win would keep them right in the mix with the other teams at the top of the league.

Manager Trenaman went for an unorthodox 3-6-1, with Morish and Stone handed free roles in behind lone striker Blake.

Riggs returned in defence and there were places on the bench for the returning Goss, after his ventures to New York and Bradford following the recent arrival of his first child.

Crediton started the game slowly and were probably not helped by the slow sticky surface, which looked more like a field than a football pitch.

After they had figured out how their new system would work, Crediton began to dominate and looked to exploit the makeshift Teigns back four.

Morish was twice denied by the home sides ‘keeper and then when Lee pinched the ball in midfield, Morish was put clean through again, rounding the ‘keeper, but with the goal at his mercy, sliced horribly wide.

The opening goal did soon arrive and it was nothing more than Crediton deserved. A fine flowing move down the right ended with McCann sweeping home from 15-yards after a clever cut back from Stone.

One soon become two as Crediton were running riot, Morish through on goal again. His first attempt was well-saved, but after a scramble the ball fell kindly back to Morish, who tapped home.

Crediton should have extended their lead before the break but some smart saves by the Teigns ‘keeper kept them in it, along with some equally poor finishing.

The second 45 minutes started much the same as the first. Crediton took some time to get going but once they did, chances were created at will.

Morish and Stone were causing all sorts of problems, although their shooting boots seemed to be missing. Lee whipped in a dangerous cross from the right which Morish headed straight at the home ‘keeper, from eight-yards, then Blake fired wide with an attempted lob.

The question was, would Crediton regret missing all these opportunities.

The answer soon came, as Crediton had a disastrous 15-minute spell. Teigns midfielder JB was allowed far too much time and space on the left, he checked inside and delivered a teasing ball which evaded the outstretched leg of Groom and was prodded home by striker Bush, to get them back into the game.

The match was soon level at 2-2 as a long ball forward eluded the statuesque back three, who were all appealing for offside. Greenslade was on-hand to fire home, past the helpless Tonkin.

Somehow Crediton went from cruise control to self destruct, looking vulnerable every time the Teigns went forward.

Again, one ball over the top into the left-hand channel caused havoc. Wing-back Miles beat McCann with far too much ease and fired superbly into the far corner to complete the comeback and give the home side the lead.

By this point Crediton’s confidence had completely gone. With 20 minutes to go Goss came on up front, Bradford replaced Stone and Groom was pushed forward as they pressed for the equaliser.

Despite a couple of half chances, Groom heading agonisingly wide and Morish shooting straight down the throat of the ‘keeper, the Teigns held on for a narrow win.

An extremely disappointing result for Kirton, which never looked likely after an hour of play, following total dominance and chances created at will.

The game should have been dead and buried but despite missed chances, there is no excuse for the second half collapse which has cost them three vital points.

A bad day at the office but Crediton must pick themselves up and go again this weekend, with a must win home fixture against Alphington.

Dave Lee