GALMPTON UNITED 0 - CREDITON UNITED 2

CREDITON made another long away journey after last weeks visit to Ilfracombe, this time around it was a trip to South Devon on Saturday, August 26, to face newly-formed Galmpton and Roselands.

Kirton went into the game off the back of three wins from three so were full of confidence. Their opponents have had a mixed start, after two defeats they picked up a narrow victory against Crediton’s opening day opponents Liverton, so also came into the game with some momentum.

Trenaman was again forced into a couple of changes, Carpenter and Blake were unavailable but McCann, Bilcock and Ord, who was only fit enough for the bench, all returned to the squad.

Pike dropped in to right-back, with McCann deployed on the right wing, Durrant started up front and Bilcock came into midfield alongside Lee and Townsend.

Crediton started the game the brightest of the two sides and were on top from the first whistle. Morish and Durrant were causing problems to the home side’s back line and kept moving them all over the place.

Crediton nearly took the lead in the opening minutes, a Bilcock corner was floated to the back post, where Lee arrived and got above his man, but could only head into the side netting from a tight angle.

Crediton were deservedly ahead inside 15 minutes, Morish was set free down the left and wriggled past a couple Galmpton defenders before reaching the byline and pulling the ball back. Townsend arrived late in the box and tapped home from eight yards to give the visitors the lead.

Crediton were rampant at this stage and were unlucky not to double their lead through Durrant, he skipped past the Galmpton centre halves and fired across goal, with his effort shaving the outside post.

Kirton did finally double their advantage, but this time it was through a more direct approach. Goss gathered the ball on the half-way line and clipped a delightful ball over the top to Morish. He checked back past two defenders and slotted past the ‘keeper to double Crediton’s advantage.

Despite being on the back foot for most of the half Galmpton were handed a lifeline just before half-time. Centre forward Chamberlain pinched the ball off Groom as he tried to turn away from danger, the striker raced away from him but was tripped inside the box.

Although it looked like Groom got a toe to the ball, the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. Up stepped the Galmpton skipper but his effort was superbly saved by the “Kirton Cat” Lee Waring, who continued his fine record of penalty saving with this important stop.

The scoreline remained the same until half-time and Crediton went in with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The second half began much the same as the first, Crediton with plenty of the ball but they couldn’t quite find that all-important third goal to kill the game off.

Durrant was working tirelessly up front and young Townsend showed some exquisite touches in around the box, which could not quite unlock the home sides back four.

This was his third game in four days after two pre-season games for his college side Hartpury, so it was no surprise when he was replaced on the hour mark.

Making his debut for the club was Durrant’s replacement, young 16 years-old Evra Yao, who almost scored with his first touch. The skilful striker found himself in space 10 yards from goal, but headed narrowly wide from a McCann cross, with the goalkeeper beaten.

The away side did create a few chances as a bit of complacency crept into Crediton’s game, Waring had to be alert to a Chamberlain effort and then Arnold missed a guilt edge chance with the goal gaping.

Moments later there was some real controversy, after a strong challenge in midfield from Lee, Galmpton midfielder Dolan reacted and appeared to headbutt the Kirton skipper after the ball had gone. However the referee had his back turned and failed to punish the stupidity from the Galmpton man.

Moments later though he had a perfect view, another tackle from Lee seemed to upset the same man, who had clearly lost his head at this point. What followed was a Vinnie Jones style incident, in which Lee received a rather firm grab to the nether regions, with the referee in a prime position to spot the incident he raced over and brandished the red card immediately.

Absolute madness from the Galmpton midfielder, who had played quite well up until this point.

The last 20 minutes petered out without any real excitement. Crediton were content with their lead and happy to sit back on what they had, whereas Galmpton offered little going forward, possibly due to their man disadvantage.

Substitute Partridge did have a chance to grab a third for Crediton but his half volleyed effort flew over the bar.

The final chance fell to Ord, who raced through on goal, but his effort was tame and comfortably gathered by the Galmpton stopper.

A deserved victory in the end for Kirton who, in truth, never really got out of second gear. Not the best of performances but another clean sheet and another win.

That makes it four wins in a row for the men from Mid Devon, who still sit at the top of the table, with a 100 per cent start to the season.

Next up for Crediton is a home clash against Bovey Tracey, on Saturday, September 2. This is a big day for the club, as they will be celebrating the services of club legend Chris Gillard, who has dedicated 50 years of committee service to the club.

The clubhouse will be open from 12.30pm and there will be a barbecue running throughout the day. Entry to the game will be free and the club would love to see as many faces there as possible to show their appreciation for all Chris’ hard work and dedication.

Dave Lee