OTTERY ST MARY 8 - CREDITON 1

CREDITON Youth Under 14’s travelled to top-of-the table Ottery St Mary for an early kick off on Saturday morning (January 11) for our first match since the Christmas break.

The opposition had some well-built and strong players in their squad and soon raced into a 2-0 lead. Crediton then created a couple of chances, but were sadly unable to take them.

Crediton found themselves being stretched and outpaced by a fast Ottery side, who worked through the defence, leaving our goalie, Reece exposed.

Credition kept plugging away, the highlight being a curling effort from Finn around a couple of defenders, leaving the ‘keeper unsighted.

The ball hit the inside of the post but still stayed out much to the dismay of the already celebrating parents (Lin and Mary being the loudest).

Unfortunately Crediton went into half-time 5-0 down.

The players on the pitch appreciated the guidance from Jon “Hammers” Harris (Sam’s Dad) throughout the first half.

At half-time Jon took us into a huddle and offered his advice which was to play narrow and deeper than previously.

The players listened and seemed to take on John’s words of wisdom and were the stronger side at the beginning of the second half.

Crediton took an opportunity with Joe Hughes finding the back of the net. Talitha found herself having the better of the full-back with a long range effort just going wide.

The play of the match saw Talitha put Finn away down the line who crossed to Knoxy whose effort was cleared off the line.

It would have wrapped up a good team goal.

Unfortunately, although much improved in the second half, the final score was 8-1 to Ottery.

Commiserations to Joe this week who may miss out on his pocket money, with this Dad, coach Dave Jose Hughes spending it all on the very tasty bacon baps.

Thanks to Knoxy senior (Andrew) for running the line, enabling DIY Dave to coach.

Although a heavy defeat, Crediton should be encouraged by their performance in the second half and left the game with a positive attitude and great team spirit and still enjoyed a joke and banter amongst themselves.

Apparently within our squad, amongst other players, we have a stick insect, a posh lad and an annoying little kid?!

The next match for the Under 14’s is on Saturday, January 25, away against Panthers.

FW