NEWTON ABBOT SPURS 2-1 CREDITON UNITED

THIS was a close-fought encounter, Crediton ending the losers in what was a competitive match.

Crediton battled their way through this encounter, once again lacking a complete centre forward of distinction.

Newton ground them down after a magnificent equaliser had brought Crediton back into the game.

Spurs did not play like a top-six side and looked far better when we visited them earlier in the season for a cup match.

Crediton were without a recognised goalkeeper and Steve 'Gossy' Goss went between the sticks and produced a performance of great merit.

From the off, both sides went end-to-end and on 15 minutes only a fine goal-line block from Riley Gething stopped the home side from taking the lead.

Then it was Crediton’s turn to attack, and a smart turn and shot from Riley Harris was saved by the home goalie.

The best chance of the half however fell to Isaac Littlejohns, who shot straight at the keeper when clear through on goal.

This would have sent Crediton into half-time with the lead but it was not to be.

Ten minutes into the second half Newton opened the scoring as a cross from the right was not dealt with and a smart header from Callum Noyce flew past Gossy and into the net for 1-0.

Then came the hailstones. The weather turned from a pleasant Saturday in the sun to an absolute deluge which had many looking for the safety of the main stand.

With it came Crediton’s equaliser on 68 minutes, as captain Dave Lee ghosted into the box and placed a header past the keeper for 1-1.

It was no more than Crediton deserved and although they put pressure on they could not trouble the home defence unduly.

At one point, Finn Drew lobbed the keeper but the ball went just wide.

Then, with five minutes left came the winner, and a smart turn and shot from Toby Pullman found the top corner giving the goalie no chance; it would prove to be the winner for the home side.

It's fair to say that Crediton deserved at least a point from this match, but it was not to be.

Next week, it's the long trip to Ilfracombe for the lads as they attempt to climb the table.

Crediton team: Goss, Shaw, Gething, Lee, Butterfield, Maynard, Southcott, Allum, Harris, Harris, Littlejohns, Drew. Subs: Collier, Grech.

Crediton man of the match: Bradley Butterfield.

Paul Whittall