South West Peninsula League East

Stoke Gabriel 1 - Crediton United 4

IN the end the score described a good second half performance from the Crediton United FC lads, on Saturday, November 25, as they overcame a spirited Stoke Gabriel side that had improved immeasurably since their opening day defeat at Lords Meadow. 

From the off both sides began well and although Crediton’s usual passing game was in evidence, the home side also had ideas of their own. 

Displaying their new striker, Joel Jackson, Crediton, prompted by the midfield of Bilcock and Lee always looked dangerous, but it was Stoke that opened the scoring midway through the first half with a brightly taken goal that finished off a promising attacking move (1-0). 

The lead did not last long however and after a goalmouth scramble following a corner it was centre back Dre Johnson who forced the ball home to level the score at 1-1. 

At the half-time break there was concern for chairman Bob Chamberlain and his recent brief illness and Crediton were all looking forward to seeing him soon. 

I don’t think anyone realised how poorly he was and everyone wished him well. 

To lose him so soon is a tragedy for his friends and family and of course all of us at the football club.  

Harvey Dorothy scored just after half-time giving Crediton the lead at 1-2. 

As the second half progressed Crediton started to take control and Stoke were visibly tiring. 

A third goal soon arrived as substitute Shay Cornish finished off a flowing move shooting home from a pass from Lukie White taking the score to 1-3. 

The scoring continued from the penalty spot as Harvey beat the keeper for his second of the day, after a foul on Joel Jackson. 

A confident second half performance could have seen Crediton go further ahead but this would have been tough on Stoke who played their part. 

In the end it was 1-4 to the away side and a win at last for the new management team who must have been reassured by this performance. 

Crediton will be away to Ivybridge on Saturday, December 9 with a 3pm kick-off.

Crediton team: Chalk, Whitfield, Knight, Lee, Johnson, Pike, White, Dorothy, Warren, Bilcock and Jackson. Subs: Corrick and Stephens.

Man of the match: Dave Lee.

Paul Whittall