Plymouth Marjons 0 - Crediton United 2
South West Peninsula League East
THERE was another away day victory for Crediton on Saturday, November 19, over the Plymouth based Marjons on the artificial surface at the student headquarters, and they lie just one point behind leaders Okehampton with a game in hand.
Crediton compatriots were hoping for another away day success which indeed it was.
The Crediton team seems to get younger by the day with Jack Fanning in for Steve Goss in defence and the presence of both teenagers Shay Corrick and Oakley Bennett in midfield just bringing the average age of the side down.
In the first half Crediton were simply dominant.
The plastic pitch suited their fluid passing game and time after time they surged forward.
Kevin Pike was a particular threat on the right wing, linking up well with Oakley Bennett and Aidan Whitfield, who was superb throughout.
Crediton opened the scoring in the 14th minute as a deflected cross from Pikey found young striker Ryan White and he slotted the ball home giving the goalie no chance. 1-0.
Soon afterwards a speculative effort from Shay Corrick had the home keeper scrambling but his effort went just wide.
Then, what could have been a crucial moment, Ryan White appeared to have scored his second after finishing off a fine move.
The ball seemed to have travelled well over the line only for the linesman to decide that it hadn’t crossed said line.
This was a breath-taking error as the ball appeared to be several feet over the line and despite the protestations of the Crediton lads, the goal was not given.
Therefore, Crediton trudged in for the half-time fry-up leading by one goal to nil.
The second half was quite a different affair as the students got their game together and threatened on occasion but in truth new goalie Jack Arthur was hardly troubled.
Substitutions were made and although Crediton looked dangerous on the break they did not trouble the home goalkeeper.
Then on 81 minutes the decisive moment of the game arrived as marauding full-back and captain Aidan Whitfield let fly after a corner on the right from Adam Bilcock and the ball sailed over the goalie and into the far corner of the net.
With 10 minutes to go Crediton passed the ball well and seemed to settle, for 0-2.
In Ryan White they seem to have a splendid acquisition and with Adam Bilcock imperious in his newish defensive midfield role this side seems to get better and better by the week, and everything seems set up for the trio to table toppers Okehampton Argyle next week.
Well done yet again to all the lads and the management team.
Crediton team: Arthur, Whitfield(c), Knight, Bilcock, Johnson, Fanning, Bennett, Corrick, White, Pike and Stapleton. Subs: Stephens, Tottell, Paramor and Down.
Man of the match. Aidan Whitfield.
Paul Whittall