Peninsula League Division One East

BRIXHAM 2 - CREDITON 2

CREDITON made back-to-back trips to South Devon after last week’s triumph at Galmpton.

For the game at Brixham, Gaffer Trenaman reverted to a 3-5-2 formation on the tight pitch to try and nullify the home sides dangerous front men, one of which scored four in the previous encounter.

Blake returned to the starting line-up after several weeks on the touchlines, Skinner and Trenaman also came in alongside Goss to make up the back three.

The game started a bit like a boxing match, both sides getting a feel for each other exchanging jabs, without much goalmouth action.

The game however was sparked into life on 25 minutes when Carpenter cleverly scored a quick free kick, whilst the home ‘keeper was still aligning his wall.

The lead didn’t last long though, 10 minutes later goalkeeper Tonkin came flapping for a cross which fell kindly to league top scorer Graham Mercieca, who made no mistake from eight yards.

Both sides created chances but the scoreline remained 1-1 at half-time.

Crediton will have been disappointed with their lack of quality on the ball in the first 45 minutes and the second half showed little improvement.

Brixham had the better of the chances as Tonkin was called into action on several occasions in the second half.

However the game looked to have swung Kirton’s way in the 85th minute when substitute Bradford raced through down the left. He fired an unstoppable left foot strike across the ‘keeper and into the bottom corner to give Crediton a 2-1 lead.

Unfortunately for the visitors, they were pegged back again, three minutes later some slack defending left Mercieca free in the box, although his initial effort was saved, the rebound was tapped in by Andy Deare to salvage a point for the home side.

In reflection Crediton didn’t deserve to win the game as they never really got going, but they will be disappointed to have let the late lead slip, in the manner they did.

Lack of concentration and defensive naivety cost them what would have been, a smash and grab three points.

The result leaves Crediton second in the table, behind Newton Spurs on goal difference.

Next up is another tough away trip to Budleigh Salterton, tomorrow, Saturday, November 26.

Dave Lee