NEWTON ABBOT SPURS 2 - CREDITON 3

CREDITON made the trip to Newton Abbot on a moist Saturday afternoon (December 10) and began the day just three points behind their opponents who sat at the top of the table.

Manager, Trenaman, had to shuffle his pack due to the absence of Steve Goss who was off fighting Anthony Joshua and Richard Groom, who has already set off on his end of season voyage to Benidorm.

Dave Lee slotted in at centre-half and Perry Carpenter came into the midfield after missing out through injury the previous weekend.

The game started at a frantic pace as both sides tried to take control. There were chances for both sides, Moseley went through one-on-one but had his effort well-saved by Tonkin and Blake went close for the visitors.

Crediton started to have the better of things as Spurs could not live with their impressive work rate. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute, some slick passing football ended with a tremendous cross from Khoo on the left wing, his inch perfect delivery was nodded in by aerial dynamite Bradford at the far post.

One soon became two as Crediton sprung a fast counter attack and Stone slotted Blake through on goal, his strike was too powerful for Spurs ‘keeper and Credi took a healthy lead into the half-time break.

The second 45 minutes started in controversial fashion. Spurs striker Dyson clearly touched the ball in an offside position but the linesman and referee somehow missed it and the ball ran through to Bowden, who rounded Tonkin and slotted into an empty net.

Spurs applied the pressure in search for the equaliser but it was Kirton who got the next goal.

Morish burst through on goal and was fouled on the edge of the box, however the ref played a good advantage and Blake was on-hand to slam the loose ball into the net from 18 yards.

The two goal lead didn’t last long, a terrific delivery from the right was volleyed in at the back post by substitute Chisholm.

Crediton then had several chances to put the game to bed, Riggs hit the crossbar, Bilcock went close with a 35-yard free-kick, Morish fired straight at the Spurs ‘keeper and Blake missed a good one-on-one opportunity.

Despite some late pressure Crediton saw the game out and took a deserved three points.

A great game from start to finish, played at a great tempo with both teams showing some real quality.

In truth the margin of victory could and should have been more for Kirton but a terrific result nonetheless and one that takes them level on points with Spurs at the top of the league.

The next game is not until December 27 when Axminster make the festive trip to Lords Meadow.

Dave Lee