CREDITON UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

CREDITON UNITED 1

AXMINSTER TOWN 3

CREDITON United welcomed Axminster Town to Lords Meadow on Tuesday, December 27 for a festive cracker in front of a healthy bank holiday crowd, knowing a win would take them back to the summit of the table. 

Trenaman has been busy in his December transfer dealings and managed to secure the return of hitman Kenny Ord on Christmas Eve, much to the delight of the Kirton faithful. 

Trenaman also welcomed new signing and former Western League player Dan Robbins into the squad, following his relocation to the area. 

Crediton lined up with a 3-5-2 formation, Ord slotting straight in up front with Blake, whilst Morish and Khoo were looking to shift some Christmas weight, operating as wingbacks. 

Simon Durrant will remain sidelined for a while following suspected ligament damage, whilst skipper Dave Lee served a one-match suspension and Lee Riggs was also unavailable.

Crediton came flying out of the traps and moved the ball with real purpose. The first goal soon arrived and it was a dream return for striker Ord, who prodded home inside five minutes, with what looked like his first touch! 

Kirton continued to dominate as the visitors could not live with the fast tempo and Crediton could, and should, have doubled their lead.

Blake headed wide with a free header, whilst Morish and Ord also forced good saves from the visiting ‘keeper. 

The tigers seemed to ride the storm and began to come into the game themselves, forcing Tonkin into a couple of saves with efforts from distance. 

The score-line remained 1-0 as the sides headed in at the half-time break.

The second half saw Crediton switch to a 4-3-3 formation which seemed to have a detrimental effect on them as they looked more vulnerable on the counter. 

Morish went agonisingly close with a header but straight from the restart Axminster broke into a dangerous position on the left wing. Carpenter conceded a free kick in a dangerous position and from the resulting free kick, the ball was headed home by centre-half Duchensky bringing the scoreline level at 1-1. 

Both teams pressed for a winner but it was Axminster who were having the better of things as ex-Exeter City man, Danny Clay, was getting far too much time and space on the ball. 

Another fast break saw Carpenter concede a penalty after barging into tricky striker Pinder, which was converted by Duchensky’s centre-half partner and Axminster took the lead. 

Crediton struggled to get going and looked very lethargic as the game wore on. The killer blow came in the 80th minute, Goss dwelt on the ball and Pinder nipped in, racing down the left and squaring to Hurford, who made no mistake and ultimately sealed the game for the away side. 

A result which was probably deserved on the balance of play and a disappointing display from the home side, especially after their bright start. 

A mention must go to everyone that came down in support, hopefully more crowds of this level can continue for the remainder of the season. 

Crediton must now pick themselves up as they visit Exwick Villa on Saturday, December 31, in a must win local derby. Two days later they also face a tough bank holiday Monday trip to Tavistock in the last 16 of the League Cup.

Dave Lee