ALPHINGTON 0 - CREDITON 1

CREDITON made the short journey to Alphington on a snowy Saturday afternoon (March 17), for a repeat of their previous outing, just three weeks ago.

Neither side had played a match since their last meeting due to the weather, with the reverse fixture ending in a 1-1 draw at Lords Meadow.

Crediton knew this would be a close affair, as it always is at The Chronicles, with a tight pitch and tough conditions always likely to be a leveller.

Trenaman, for once, had the luxury of picking from almost a full squad, with Blake the only notable absentee. There was even a spot on the bench for a reserve ‘keeper, in the form of Willand stopper Michael Searle.

The gaffer opted for an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation. In which he left himself out, partnering the returning Goss, alongside Groom at centre-half.

Skinner and Khoo retained their places at full-back, with Lee moving forward into his preferred position in midfield.

Bilcock was back in the mix, which meant Carpenter dropped to the bench, with McCann and Morish deployed on the wings.

Durrant slotted in just behind Ord, in a free role, in a bid to take the game to the home side.

The game was a slow burner from the off, with neither side able to dominate. Both teams struggled to get the ball down on a sticky surface, with the visitors lacking a cutting edge going forward.

The first real chance of the game came in the 25th minute. Ord found himself in the clear after a strong tackle from Lee put the ball into his path, he marauded towards goal but was denied with a fine save from McAndrews.

It was then the hosts who threatened, as the chances began to arrive. Hole whipped in a ball from the right as Crediton failed to clear their lines, but Moody was denied with a fine stop by Waring, who tipped his powerful header over from point blank range.

From the resulting corner, Waring was again forced into action, as a dangerous ball was whipped in under his crossbar, nearly going straight in.

But the veteran stopper showed a safe pair of hands for once, gathering the ball centimetres before it crossed the line.

It was the visitors who started to look the more likely, Durrant raced away in a four-on-three break, but was cynically fouled by player manager Pointing, who somehow escaped a card.

From the resulting free kick Bilcock went close, but was disappointed not to test the ‘keeper.

Again it was Crediton who were knocking at the door just before the interval. Ord and McCann were both denied by fine saves from McAndrews once more, with the sides heading in level at the break.

Crediton were slow out of the traps in the second half, with the Alphas forcing a couple of early corners, which were dealt with comfortably by the visitors.

It wasn’t long however before Kirton managed to up their intensity. Ord again found himself in a great position, but his nemesis McAndrews, kept him at bay once more.

Bilcock then had another chance with the dead ball from 25 yards, this time going much closer, with a curling effort that hit the outside of the post.

Crediton’s defence remained firm at the other end, with Skinner and Khoo doing well to contain the Alphas energetic wingers, whilst Goss and Groom looked in control of lone striker Moody.

Trenaman rang the changes on the hour mark as Crediton searched for the all important breakthrough, Heritage replaced the tiring Morish and Yao came on for McCann, on the opposite wing.

The changes seemed to energise Crediton, who looked to exploit the wide areas, as the game became more stretched.

With 15 minutes to go it was Crediton who finally broke the deadlock. Bilcock’s corner from the right was perfect for the arrival of Goss, with the slightly overweight centre-half, somehow leaping off the floor to power home from eight yards.

It was a vital goal for the visitors, who needed the three points to keep pace with teams around them at the top of the table.

Carpenter was then introduced for the final 10 minutes, to help galvanise the midfield, protecting the back four alongside Lee.

The clock ticked on, with Kirton’s defence holding firm, with the only notable chance coming right at the death, as Hole curled a free kick over the bar, from the edge of the box.

It was an important and just about deserved win for Crediton, who upped their intensity in the second 45 minutes, to sneak over the line and pick up the three points.

Defensively they will be pleased, after another solid performance, with Waring rarely called into action in the visiting goal.

Next up for Crediton is a home game, against Galmpton and Roselands on Saturday, March 24. Kick off is at 3pm.

Dave Lee