CREDITON UNITED 1 - BRIDPORT 4

CREDITON battled but were eventually undone by a strong Bridport side that sits proudly on top of the Peninsula League.

Their victory of 1-4 was no more than they deserved and although Bovey have games in hand it is the men from Dorset who look likely for silverware at the end of the season.

A Crediton player about to kick the ball. AQ 1104
A Crediton player about to kick the ball. AQ 1104 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Crediton in control during the game. AQ 1132
Crediton in control during the game. AQ 1132 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

How football can change though as it was Crediton who, on the opening day of the season came back from Bridport with a hard fought draw and it was to be hoped that great things lay in store for the Mid Devon outfit.

The loss of striker Will Collins was key however and it has been impossible to replace this goal machine who scored 15 goals in 13 matches including three hat tricks.

Also the loss of attacking midfielder Lukey White and eventually the ageless and competitive Kevin Pike, has made it tricky for Crediton to keep up.

Crediton in possession with Bridport in pursuit. AQ 5867
Crediton in possession with Bridport in pursuit. AQ 5867 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
It was a real battle for the ball. AQ 5876
It was a real battle for the ball. AQ 5876 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

However after a decent response last week at Torrington, the hosts began strongly although it was only a terrific save from young Lewis Layton that stopped Brid from opening the scoring.

Fifteen minutes in and it was Crediton who scored through a Riley Harris tap in from a Dave Lee header, 1-0.

Bridport replied in lightning fashion and an absolute thunderbolt flew past the Crediton goalie and it had taken less than a minute for the equaliser, 1-1.

After 26 minutes a header from a Bridport player took the visitors further ahead and just after the half an hour it was 1-3 as an unmarked header flew into the net from a free kick.

At half time the visitors were already ahead and it looked like being a long second half for the lads.

Crediton gained possession of the ball during this encounter. AQ 5883
Crediton gained possession of the ball during this encounter. AQ 5883 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Bridport really looked the part but the young Crediton team did not just lie down and produced some good football without really looking all that dangerous.

A fourth goal came just after the hour and yet again another uncontested header was the catalyst, 1-4.

Subs came and went for both sides and although Bridport looked the more dangerous no further goals ensued.

Credit to both sides for what was an entertaining game. Next up for the Kirton is a trip to Newton Abbot Spurs next Saturday which is usually a challenge to say the least.

Crediton team: Layton, Maynard, Drew, Lee, Butterfield, Wojtowicz, Southcott, Allum, Bassett, Harris, Littlejohns. Subs: Shaw, Thompson, Balchin.

Crediton man of the Match: Lewis Layton.

Paul Whittall