TORRIDGESIDE 6 - CREDITON UNITED 1

CREDITON exited this year's FA Vase with a resounding defeat in the second qualifying round at the hands of the North Devonians and it was with a whimper and not a bang.

Without a recognised centre forward and an absence of cohesion in midfield, it was Torridgeside who took full advantage of what was lacking in the young Crediton side.

The Lords Meadow lads were caught out time and time again by the direct running of their opponents and were particularly exposed in the full backs.

The game started badly as Torridgeside broke away and scored in only the third minute 1-0 to the home side.

Crediton replied brightly though and a flowing move ended in an equaliser as Harrison Jordan's left foot shot found the corner of the net. 1-1.

This was as good as it got though as on 11 minutes Torridgeside scored again as a great effort flew high into the goal with keeper Lewis Slade having no chance. 2-1.

Thirty minutes and it was three as Joe McKenzie brought down the home striker and appeared to be booked in the process. He was then sin binned as well. The penalty was duly converted 3-1.

An unmarked header made it four bang on half time and there was still time for another McKenzie error and he succeeded in getting himself a second yellow and was ignominiously sent off.

So as half time was reached Crediton were four down and down to 10 men.

The second half was no different as both teams made numerous substitutions. Crediton were completely overwhelmed in midfield and although Jack Perry was exemplary there did not appear to be any cover for him and players in unfamiliar positions constantly went AWOL.

Lewis Slade made a good save from close range but it was all the home side who increased their lead on 58 minutes for 5-1, a long ball out of defence was too much for the away side to cope with and a cute lob entered the net.

There was still time for another as in the 90th minute Torridgeside scored again. It had been men against boys and unfortunately next Friday Crediton have to return to the same venue for a league match against the same opponents. Good luck with that one lads.

Crediton team: Slade, Shaw, Ebdon, McKenzie, Garnsworthy, Perry, Leach, Butterfield, Aldridge, Roche, Jordan. Subs: Quesso, Littlejohn, Fever, Lo, Smith.

Man of the Match: Jack Perry.

Paul Whittall