ALPHINGTON 0

CREDITON 2

THIS match proved how far Crediton had come since the previous encounter of only a few weeks ago.

On that occasion they had been completely outplayed and in truth the score of 0-2 flattered them, but on this sunny afternoon, Crediton showed much more flair and determination than their hosts and deserved their win with two more goals from the prolific Richard Blake.

Apart from missing the suspended Matt Trenaman, Crediton fielded a familiar side and from the outset pressed forward.

It felt like Alphington were taken aback and never recovered as they may have underestimated the lads from Lords Meadow.

After only nine minutes a tricky run from Josh Badham on the left ended with a perfect pass which Blakey took in his stride before sending a left foot shot past ‘keeper McAndrews for 1-0.

This was no more than they deserved and the Alphas were taken aback.

With Simon Durrant and Dave Lee, the driving force in midfield, Crediton went in search of another goal. It came on 25 minutes as Richard Blake sent a swooping lob over the goalie for 2-0.

Speculative or inspired you takes your choice. I know which I would choose but there we are. Good old Blakey I say. A player who is in the form of his life at present and shows such an appetite for the game these days.

From then on the half was all the away side and with the defence holding up well on the rare appearance of Alphington’s forward press it was a delighted away following that took the half-time orange.

The second half was quite a contrast as Crediton seemed to sit on their lead and it was only a tip-top performance from goalie Nathan Keast that kept the Alphas in check.

Substitutions were made by both sides but it became obvious that Crediton were never in danger of losing their lead and in truth the referee might as well have blown on the hour for the end of the game as it felt like both sides had largely lost interest.

And so it was that Crediton held out for the victory and a home tie with neighbours, Witheridge.

With Blakey now having score eight for the season his star looks rosy indeed.

PW