peninsula League Division One East

TORRIDGESIDE 0

CREDITON UNITED 1

ON a blustery Saturday afternoon (September 24) Crediton arrived at Donnacroft hoping to end North Devon outfit Torridgeside’s unbeaten start to the season.

This was always going to be a big test for the visitors as the two defeats they have suffered this season have both come away from home.

Crediton lined up in their customary 4-3-3 formation with three changes from the mid-week triumph over Galmpton, with Khoo coming in at full-back, McCann moving into a more advanced role, Morish replacing the injured Stone on the other flank and Waring between the sticks for the absent Tonkin.

The wind was always going to be a major factor from the outset and Creddy won the toss and decided to shoot with the wind to try and gain an advantage from the start.

It was a nervous start from both sides but Creddy began to gain the upper hand. Several times the visitors found themselves in excellent positions in the final third of the pitch, but a lack of quality on the final ball was a growing concern as they knew a half-time lead was vital.

Durrant was bursting forward at every opportunity as Bilcock and Lee began to dictate from the middle of the park and the goal finally arrived.

A slide rule pass down the right-hand channel found Durrant, who skipped inside the full-back and cut the ball back to Blake. After dummying past one defender he found himself with a clear shot at goal but just as he went to pull the trigger he was clipped from behind and the ref had no option but to point to the spot.

Bilcock made no mistake, rifling the ball past the giant 6ft 5ins Torridge ‘keeper. The hosts then had a couple opportunities of their own, Bettis twice wriggling free in the box but he could not beat Waring who was in inspiring form.

Half-time arrived and the hosts would have been happy to go in only the one goal behind, with Crediton somewhat disappointed with their lack of quality in the final third.

The second half was always going to be a different test for the visitors as they were now playing into the 100mph breeze.

Waring’s kicks were only reaching the edge of the centre circle and the hosts began to pin the visitors back.

Kirton had to dig deep to resist the waves of attacks that kept on coming. This, however, meant that they had to keep the ball on the deck and their quality began to show, the front three improved considerably after a stern talking to at half-time and vitally they started to hold the ball up and link up play with the midfield.

This gave the heroic back five of Waring, Khoo, Goss, Riggs and Skinner a much-needed breather and allowed them to get higher up the pitch.

The hosts kept coming and committed more and more bodies forward, leaving them extremely vulnerable to the pacey Kirton counter attacks.

Chances were at a premium and Waring dealt with everything that was thrown at him. Kirton held on for an impressive 1-0 win, ending the home sides unbeaten start in the process and sending them three points clear at the top of the league.

A great result for Crediton, which shows how far they have come already this season, as Crediton sides of recent years would have folded under such pressure.

A fifth straight league win which leaves them in an unfamiliar position at the top of the table.

Dave Lee