Devon Premier Cup Semi-Final

CREDITON 1 - UNIVERSITY OF EXETER 2

CREDITON travelled to Meadow Lane, Cullompton on Wednesday, March 15, for their eagerly anticipated Devon Premier Cup semi-final clash with University of Exeter. Having previously defeated the Uni side twice this season already, confidence was high that another win was very doable.

However, Uni arrived on the back of some good results and strolled through their quarter-final clash 5-0.

Crediton had a strong squad available but were dealt a blow when Morish pulled up with a hamstring problem in the warm up.

After some last minute changes to the lineup, Durrant replaced him on the left-hand side of a midfield four, as Crediton set up for a direct approach in a 4-4-2 formation.

Uni started the game the brightest of the two sides and flew out of the traps, Barner was causing the Crediton back four problems as he kept dropping deep to collect the ball.

Uni missed two great chances in the first 10 minutes as Crediton looked nervy at the back. Their cause was not helped when Skinner was forced off with a suspected broken leg, which was unfortunately confirmed after the game. Khoo came on to replace him at full-back.

Following a spell on the back foot Crediton finally grew into the game. They began to get a lot of joy out wide and it wasn’t long before the opener came.

Durrant got down the left and whipped a cross towards the penalty spot where it was met by the head of Ord. He still had a lot to do but, from a considerable distance, he managed to loop his header beyond Garner and into the top corner to send the travelling fans wild.

Crediton’s dominance continued after that as Uni were struggling to deal with Ord’s power and aerial prowess, but they could not double their lead.

Just before half-time Crediton went within a whisker of a second, the same combination of Durrant and Ord linked again, this time the latter cutting back from the byline, only for Durrant’s effort to cannon off the inside of the post and straight across the goal line.

Almost immediately Uni were back in it. Crediton conceded a free kick on the half-way line with seconds to go before half-time, the ball was floated into the box and after some misjudgement in the defence, the ball skipped up and hit the outstretched arm of Riggs, giving the referee little option but to point to the spot.

With the last kick of the half the penalty was converted and the sides went in 1-1 at the break.

The second half started in the same vein as the first, with Uni flying out of the traps and not allowing Crediton any time to settle on the ball.

They were working the ball into some dangerous positions without creating too many clear cut chances. Crediton did then create a couple of great chances for themselves. Blake and Ord combined on the edge of the box and Blake’s clever effort cannoned back off the crossbar.

The same two combined moments later and again it just would not go in for Blake, who fired agonisingly over with his first time effort.

You just felt luck was against Crediton from start to finish in the game, chances came and went and Uni grew stronger as the game went on, with their five training sessions a week paying off!

In the 75th minute the third goal arrived and once again it was through another penalty for Uni.

Pascoe got in behind the weary Crediton back line and got to the ball just before Tonkin, nicking the ball past the on-rushing ‘keeper who brought him down in the process.

Once again the referee had the easy decision of pointing to the spot. Barner stepped up and fired straight down the middle to give Uni the lead.

Crediton made immediate changes with McCann and Goss replacing Blake and Durrant, but despite a more attacking approach in the final 10 minutes they could not find an equaliser and their superb cup run came to an end at the final hurdle.

Heartbreak for Kirton who were in search of their first piece of silverware since the 1960’s. A great effort by everyone involved but such a shame to bow out at this stage of the competition.

The players were absolutely gutted leaving the field but no-one can question the effort and commitment by each and every one of them.

Thoughts go out to Craig Skinner who unfortunately suffered a broken leg during the game, we wish him a speedy recovery.

Finally, from everyone involved within the club, a huge thank you must go to the travelling supporters who turned out in their numbers to cheer the lads on.

Dave Lee