THE recent form of Crediton United’s First team has caused some concern of late but following a fine floodlit performance against Bovey Tracey on Friday, December 10, in a 3-1 victory nervous supporters will be somewhat relieved.

Bovey have been playing their home fixtures so far this season at the Devon County FA ground whilst there has been pitch drainage works on their home ground.

The County headquarters ground has an Astro Turf surface and there were some fears that this might have been to United’s disadvantage. However all the Crediton team managed to adjust well.

A big bonus for United was the return of goalkeeper Michael Searle following a six weeks spell out due to an injury and his presence between the “sticks” gave the team some confidence.

The game got off to an unfortunate start for Kirton’s influential midfielder Guy Allum. Having sustained a reoccurrence of a back injury in the first minute of the game he had to be immediately substituted by Leyton Cooper.

The home team dominated the opening 10 minutes but with Dave Lee dropping back as centre half to replace the unavailable Steve Goss and the presence of goalkeeper Searle the defence looked sound.

Crediton weathered the early pressure and eventually took the lead, courtesy of a rash tackle by a Bovey defender. United’s top scorer Sam Stapleton took the chance to increase his tally from the penalty spot for his 15th goal of the season.

United doubled their lead after half an hour when Will Hamill drilled home a shot from the edge of the six yard box following a corner.

The two goal lead gave the team confidence, allowing them to dominate the rest of the first half.

This was helped by a bad tackle on Sam Stapleton, with the referee showing the offender a red card, reducing the home team to 10 men.

Immediately after the half-time break Crediton increased their lead against a slow defence in the opening minute of the second half when three forwards outpaced the “sleepy” defenders to allow Kenny Ord to tap the ball home for the third goal from a short distance.

Crediton dominated the remainder of the game despite the home team reducing the difference by one goal courtesy of a slice of luck for Bovey’s best forward Finn Roberts with his shot bouncing off a United defender into the corner of the net.

The home side’s frustration was reflected in their five disciplinary awards with, in addition to the red carded player, their collection of four “yellows” which at £12 a time nowadays is not cheap.

Our young players enjoyed the playing surface and their pace outstripped the opposing team.

Young 16 year-old Lewis Heywood looks a really good prospect whilst Joe Chester, who this season had settled down to playing Reserves team football impressed again and must be pushing for a regular first team spot. It was good also to see Kenny Ord looking as though he’s found some form again.

Dave Lee was outstanding in Crediton’s back four and deserved the man of the match award, presented to him the following day by his partner Jelena – in the form of baby son Archie!

Apart from a couple of years away at “Uni" Dave has been a regular player in youth and adult teams for Crediton United for more than 15 years.

As well as the 250 plus “well wishers” on Facebook, the Club would like to congratulate Dave and Jelena on the birth of their son.

Tomorrow United host Elburton Villa, hoping to make amends for the 6-0 defeat a fortnight ago.

Crediton team: Michael Searle, Dillon Croft, Alex Montgomery, Joe Chester, James Eginton, David Lee, Lewis Heywood, Guy Allum, Kenny Ord, William Hamill and Samuel Stapleton.

Substitutes: Leyton Cooper, Oliver Snow and Callum Vanstone.

Chris Gillard