South West Peninsula League East

Crediton United 4 - Axminster Town 2

OPEN the history books because a stunning second half hat-trick by 19 year-old Sam Stapleton in four, yes four minutes was the crowning glory in what was a fine win for Crediton at Lords Meadow on Saturday versus Axminster Town.

This was their first home league win since the 4-3 win over neighbours Elmore in October and it was well worth waiting for.

This was a cracking game. There was a large contingent from Axminster most of whom stood at the front of the main stand where they got a ticking off from Chris Gillard and were asked to sit down. Steady on Chris.

One amusing moment appeared before kick off as one of our notable supporters Bill Hole was named in the squad in the match programme.

This was very amusing to a number of the home faithful. As far as I know Bill is still not quite match fit, but woe betide the opposition when he is.

The match itself was played out on a very sticky pitch which made control quite tricky but both sides made a good fist of things and put on a good show.

Crediton began with a flat back four with Gossy wide on the right and Monty on the left. The game itself was a corker. Mike Searle, in the Creddy goal, played a blinder yet again and was soon called on to make a fine save.

At the other end, last week’s hat-trick hero at Honiton, Guy Allum, had a shot well saved.

Then, on 20 minutes, Crediton took the lead as the ball fell, kindly to Dave Lee inside the area, who shot the ball home into the roof of the net.

On half-an-hour Dave unfortunately was injured and was replaced by Richard Groome.

However Crediton’s lead did not last long as Axminster no 9 Scaddan equalised on 39 minutes with an overhead kick that Mike Searle, impersonating a man dropping a tray of drinks, could not keep out.

The start of the second half was remarkable as Sam Stapleton ran amok.

Firstly he burst through the Tigers defence and smartly slotted the ball home for 2-1. Then two minutes later he scored again glancing home from Sam Cottrell’s fine cross on the right. 3-1.

A minute later and once more Sam burst clear of the defence and this time with his left foot sent a fierce drive into the corner of the net. 4-1 and probably game over.

This was some of the best finishing seen for years at Lords Meadow and this now gives the young striker 19 goals for the season.

Axminster however continued to play their part in this fine game. Time and time again they came forward and refused to lie down.

Michael Searle made save after save, including one amazing point blank effort he managed to tip over the crossbar.

The Tigers did pull one back on 72 minutes through Charlie Wilson and continued to look dangerous.

Stapleton went through on goal twice more but was thwarted on both occasions by an excellent last ditch tackle.

In the end Crediton were delighted with the win, especially against a side that had beaten them 4-0 earlier in the season and the Axminster contingent faced the long trip home winless.

Crediton are on a good trot at the moment and are now unbeaten since early December.

Next up they face Torpoint who will be a tough proposition having just won 13-0 at Ottery.

There was much talk afterwards about Sam’s achievement and no-one amongst the club hierarchy could recall anyone who had scored a faster hat-trick. It is to be hoped that we can rely on his services for some time to come.

Well done Sam and well done Trendy and the team.

Man of the match was Sam Stapleton.

This weekend the First Team have a tough game away at high flying second placed Torpoint Athletic, whilst the Reserves are back on home soil anxious to make amends for two bad results against Alphington and Hatherleigh.

Bow AAC are the visitors, and both sides will be wound up for an interesting "Local Derby". Kick off is 3pm.

Paul Whittall