MIDDLEZOY ROVERS 2-1 CREDITON UNITED

CREDITON could not clinch the win here against their rivals from West Somerset and although the home side managed a late goal, Middlezoy probably just about deserved their win and completed the double over the home side.

These were two of the younger sides I have seen in a long time and it was an enthralling battle throughout.

The game swayed this way and that and chances were not many. Crediton are still without a recognised centre forward and it shows.

Despite the sterling efforts of many, there were long passages in this game where neither side looked like scoring and showed why they are not near the top of the table.

Riley Harris was again up front and did his best as did the rest of the side but it was Middlezoy who took the lead after only five minutes on the clock.

A ‘Zoy man was heading for the goal but was tripped in what looked like just outside the area and then went over.

A penalty was awarded much to the dismay of the home side and Finn Hansford duly knocked the ball home for 0-1 with keeper Lewis Layton having no chance.

There was much discussion in the crowd about the legitimacy of the sport kick and whether it should have been a booking or a sending off for the Crediton defender but all in all the Zoy deserved their lead.

The game then swung this way and that and Crediton were in the ascendancy for long periods but the goal would not come.

Substitutions came and went and with Dave Lee prompting from midfield alongside the willing Guy Allum there was always hope, but as often happens on these occasions Middlezoy added a second against the run of play as they broke up a Crediton attack and a long ball was hooked back into the box and finished easily by Acey Mead for 0-2.

Even though there were only a couple of ,minutes left there was still time for Riley Harris to head a consolation for the home side but the game was up and as the sides trudged off it was the Zoy that went home happier.

I don't think the pitch helped being very heavy owing to the inclement weather we have had recently and we were probably fortunate to get a game at all, but that's football, isn’t it?

Crediton team: Layton, Maynard, Geathing, Lee, Goss, Shaw, Littlejohns, Morris, Harris, Allum, Southcott. Subs: Drew, Collier, Jordan, Green.

Crediton man of the match: Jake Shaw.

Paul Whittall