CREDITON 2 - TORRIDGESIDE 0

ON a glorious Saturday afternoon (February 18) Crediton welcomed a second successive North Devon side to Lords Meadow, after the previous weekend’s cup triumph over Braunton.

Gaffer Trenaman stuck with the traditional 4-4-2 formation which worked so well last time out. There were three changes from the previous game, Tonkin returned in goal, Bradford replaced the absent Skinner, which meant that McCann reverted to full-back and Ord came in for Groom up front.

Durrant also returned to a strong looking bench, after a long spell on the sidelines.

The game started in sloppy fashion, with neither side able to keep possession on a difficult playing surface. Both ‘keepers were almost spectators for the opening 20 minutes although they both struggled to deal with back passes on the bobbly Lords Meadow turf.

As the half wore on chances began to arrive, Stevens wriggled free in the box for the visitors and managed to find himself in a one-on-one position, but his hesitation allowed Tonkin to toe-poke the ball away to safety.

Crediton were beginning to look dangerous in behind, as a couple of the Torridgeside defenders were turning slower than an artic lorry.

Bradford got into a great position in the left channel but his cutback to an unmarked Blake was expertly intercepted by Bettiss.

Morish’s pace was again a threat but the final product was missing after a couple of untimely bobbles. On the stroke of half-time Goss conceded a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the box, but Stevens failed to hit the target and the sides went in level at the break.

The second 45 minutes saw a shift in gears as both sides looked to up the tempo and the game became more open.

Stevens and Bettiss were looking to create opportunities up front but the Crediton back four were in excellent form and looked extremely resolute.

The opening goal came on the hour mark after a fine flowing move, Ord flicked on to Bradford, who slotted the ball through to Blake in the left-hand channel. He fired home superbly, first time, to give Crediton the advantage.

A vital goal for Kirton who desperately needed a win to keep pace with the teams above them. Torridgeside tried to get themselves back into the game but were resorting to long balls which were easily dealt with.

Blake missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 as he headed over an open goal from six yards, a chance that might have come back to haunt the home side.

However, when Bilcock replaced Bradford and Groom came on for Ord, this looked like an inspired double change, as both subs had an immediate impact.

Groom picked up the ball in a deep position, the visitors defence parted like the Red Sea and Bilcock found himself through one-on-one, calmly slotting past Greenaway to give Crediton some breathing space.

The visitors looked dead on their feet as Crediton’s fitness came to the forefront. The final 15 minutes saw chances created at will, as the visitors could not handle the fast breaks from the impressive Kirton attack.

All that was lacking was the final ball to add gloss to the scoreline, as the contest looked well and truly finished.

A great performance and result for Crediton, which means they have completed a fine double over the North Devon outfit, also moving them level on points with their opponents, with so much to play for over the remaining nine games.

With players returning to the fold at just the right time, the squad must be confident of a strong finish to the season, especially if they apply themselves and approach each game with the right attitude.

This coming Saturday (February 25) marks a huge day for the club, as they head to St Austell for a quarter-final clash in the WCP Cup.

A coach for players and supporters is leaving Lords Meadow at 10am, feel free to come along, grab a pasty and support the lads!

Dave Lee