CREDITON UNITED 1 - OKEHAMPTON ARGYLE 1 

THIS South West Peninsula League East encounter is starting to become a proper local derby as Crediton and Okehampton began another chapter in the close rivalry that exists between them.

Yet again Crediton failed to overcome their visitors from Simmons Park.

At least they did not concede a last-minute goal which has happened on three occasions recently.

The side looked very different as there was no Kevin Pike, Dave Lee, Dre Johnson and Jack Arthur.  Jack has joined Barnstaple with Harvey Dorothy and the very best of good fortune to them.

A new back four pairing of Joel Jackson and Joe Curtis was tried, and they equipped themselves well throughout.

Also, Mike Lilley was back in midfield as was last year’s striker Ryan White who played out on the left until someone finally realised he was a centre forward last season so up he went to support Luke White.

This was predictably a good local battle and the Crediton youngsters were up against it with Luke Mortimore and Dan Koita starring for Okey.

Firstly, Sam Stapleton had a great attempt saved after good work by Luke White and soon it was Mike Lilley’s turn to come close.

Shay Corrick had a good turn and shot which went close before the opening goal arrived in the 20th minute.

It was Crediton who scored it with a superb left foot drive from Kieron Knight that flew into the bottom corner giving former Kirton keeper Michael Searle no chance.

Although both teams huffed and puffed, that completed the scoring for the first period.

The second half proved no less competitive than the first and kept the Boxing Day crowd on the edge of their seats.

A familiar face, Steve Goss came on for Okey and Ryan White for Sam Stapleton and soon it was the turn of another ex Kirton player Dan Koita to get the equaliser as he shook off the attentions of Joel Jackson to unleash a powerful shot which gave new goalie Finlay Croft no chance for 1-1.

Otherwise, the youngster had a fine game in goal for the home side.

So, with half-an-hour to go there was every chance that a win could still be had by either side.

Ryan White had a shot saved and Luke White had a great attempt tipped over by Michael Searle when well placed, but despite constant rallies no winning goal came for either side, although it has to be said that Okey looked the more likely in the closing stages and Crediton hung on for a point that keeps them second in the table as Bridport could only draw with local rivals Axminster.

Crediton team: Croft, Whitfield, Knight, Curtis, Jackson, Lilley, White L, Bilcock, Stephens, Corrick and Stapleton.  Subs: Tootel and White R.

Man of the match: Joe Curtis.

Paul Whittall