South West Peninsula League Division One East

CREDITON 11 - LIVERTON UNITED 1

CREDITON welcomed Liverton United to Lords Meadow on Saturday, March 18 looking to bounce back from the disappointment of Wednesday’s Cup semi-final defeat. Having lost 3-2 away to Livvy just two weeks ago, Crediton had a point to prove.

Trenaman opted for a 3-5-2 formation as many players were unavailable for this clash. Robbins came in at the back alongside Goss and Riggs, McCann and Khoo were deployed as full-backs, Carpenter moved into central midfield alongside Bilcock and Lee and Durrant moved up front to partner Ord.

Crediton started the game perfectly, going ahead inside five minutes, some great combination play in midfield between Lee, Bilcock and Carpenter ended with Durrant being put clean through, he rounded the ‘keeper to give Crediton the lead.

The midfield trio combined moments later to put Ord through this time. He made no mistake to double the lead. Crediton were seemingly cruising but after 15 minutes Livvy got one back, a long punt from the back was not dealt with by the Kirton back three and Thomas found himself in on goal. He rounded Tonkin to give the visitors hope.

This hope was short-lived as Durrant soon found himself in again and restored the two-goal advantage, the Livvy back four were parting like the Red Sea as Crediton were soon out of sight.

Lee got himself on the scoresheet controlling Ord’s cut back and fired home from 20 yards to make it four. Ord made it five as the goals continued to flow and Crediton could smell a wounded animal.

Lee thought he had grabbed another on 40 minutes which would have put him on an unheard of hat-trick!

Bizarrely the referee called offside from 30 yards back the pitch, much to the dismay of players and management.

The sixth goal did arrive on the stroke of half-time, a corner was cleared to the edge of the box and Bilcock’s effort deflected off a Livvy defender and flew into the top corner.

In an action-packed first 45 minutes Crediton went in 6-1 ahead and seemingly out of sight, after a ruthless attacking display.

The second half started at a slower tempo as the scoring eased, Woodward was introduced from the bench hoping he would open his account for the season after witnessing the first half onslaught.

Fifteen minutes in Crediton did get back into their scoring rhythm. Durrant went on a mazy run which ended with a superb finish, as he lobbed the stranded ‘keeper to complete his hat-trick. Ord then completed his hat-trick to make the score 8-1.

Assistant gaffer, Emlyn Harris, was then brought into the fray, hoping he would get himself on the scoresheet, but strike partner Ord was reluctant to pass to the man without a goal all season and decided to grab a fourth for himself instead!

Veteran Nigel Harris was then handed a rare appearance as he came on at the back in place of Robbins. It wasn’t long before he was involved, controlling a Bilcock corner at the far post and squaring to Goss, who cleverly back heeled in to make it 10!

The scoring was completed by Durrant, who also bagged his fourth, doubling his tally for the season, to give Crediton a comprehensive 11-1 victory.

The referee blew his whistle for full-time early to spare Livvy any more embarrassment and they returned to South Devon with their tales firmly between their legs.

In truth the game was a complete miss-match from start to finish, as Livvy’s bare 11 were well out of their depth.

For Crediton it was a return to winning ways and a scoreline that helps boost their goal difference, which could well be worth a point at the end of the season, as the battle for a top three finish intensifies.

Next up for Kirton is another home game, as they welcome Totnes and Dartington to Lords Meadow for a Friday night clash, tonight (March 24), kick off at 7.30pm.

Dave Lee