ELMORE 1 - CREDITON UNITED 5
Five minutes from the start it looked as though no-one was coming from Elmore and the stand was full of the Crediton faithful but bang on 7.30pm a few locals ambled out of the clubhouse and onto the side of the pitch to offer their support.
By the end of the game they might have wished they had stayed where they were.
From the very off Crediton were into their stride with Guy Allum and new lad, Fin Graham-Ahearne, driving from midfield and Kenny Ord leading the line.
It was Elmore who had the first chance as Crediton failed to clear a corner from the right and it was only a fine point blank save from Sam Borthwick that stopped the home side from taking the lead.
At the other end it was a good save that prevented Sam Stapleton from putting Crediton ahead.
It was Kenny who had the first chance and the lad was put right through with only the keeper to beat but he could only shoot weakly past the left hand post.
However, it was not long before the Crediton no 9 scored the opener, hooking in from a good cross from Sam Stapleton who was a constant threat with his speed and skill. 0-1.
Soon after it was 0-2 as Kenny scored his second, sliding in after the home defence failed to clear.
Elmore went close again and hit the bar with a free kick but, straightaway, captain Dave Lee scored the goal of the game and sent a grand shot into the corner of the net from 35 yards with the keeper well beaten.
So the score was 0-3 to the Kirton after only 37 minutes.
The second half began in much the same way.
Kenny was put through but could only send his shot just over but on the hour he held the ball up brilliantly and squared for Will Hammill to make it 0-4 with a fine finish.
On 65 minutes the same player sent a firm right foot into the corner of the net for 0-5.
There was a glimmer of hope for the home side as Dave Lee hauled an Elmore striker to the ground and they pulled one back from the penalty spot.
After that the game started to peter out as Crediton repelled everything the home side could throw at them.
This was a great win for Crediton in what should have been a more sturdy challenge from the Tiverton side.
Looking at the league position it is hard to see why Crediton are where they are.
They are one of the league’s big scorers and if only they could tighten up at the back they would be much further up the league.
Next up is Torridgeside AFC at home tomorrow, Friday, April 8, and hopefully another positive result.
Crediton team: Borthwick, Goss, Hoskins, Lee, Edginton, Groome, Graham-Ahearne, Allum, Ord, Hammill and Stapleton. Subs: Cottrell, Cooper and Snow.
Man of the match: Dave Lee.
• The Reserves team are away at Chard this coming Saturday, April 9 and the women’s team will be looking for another win at home on Sunday, April 10 when it entertains Axminster Ladies.
On Tuesday, April 12 the First team is at home to Ottery St Mary which has been struggling for results since virtually its whole team transferred “en bloc” to Sidmouth Town.
Paul Whittall