CREDITON Youth Girls Section were denied a unique treble when their Under 16’s side lost to Moors Youth girls in the Devon Girls League play off, held at Happy Meadow, Bickleigh.

The Crediton girls had for most of the season been sitting top of the league table, as Moors had always had games in-hand owing to cup commitments.

Going into the final fixture of the season against Moors Youth, in early May, a draw would have seen the Crediton girls clinch the league title.

Unfortunately, defeat took the league title to a play off, as both sides finished the season equal on points and with goal difference not applying in the Devon Girls League, a play off for the league title had to take place.

The play off was held on a lovely sunny morning and saw another fine entertaining game between two very evenly matched sides.

The first half finished goalless despite both sides creating some very good chances and Crediton probably edging the half.

Moors came out strong at the restart and only a fine save from Crediton ‘keeper Louise Waldron and an amazing goal-line clearance from Ebony Cousins kept it goalless.

Following a free kick on the edge of the Crediton area, Moors finally broke the deadlock. They quickly followed that up when Connie Pengelly, with a great header, grabbed her second of the game.

The Crediton coaches quickly changed things around putting Rowan Karkeek into a more advanced midfield role and this quickly paid dividends. She found Noor Rasch who put in a fine cross to find Cheyanne Coakley to head in from close range to bring it back to 2-1.

Despite hitting the post and several other chances the Crediton girls could not get the equaliser and with minutes remaining a fine solo breakaway gave Moors their third goal of the day.

Despite having to settle for runners-up the Crediton players can be proud of their achievement.

The side who were only in their second season in the Devon Girls League, pushed Moors, last season’s league champions, all the way to a play off, and improved on their own third place finish from the previous season.

The girls soon bounced back the following weekend, by winning the Bishop Lydeard FC annual six-a-side tournament.