Ivybridge Town 5 - Crediton United 1

CREDITON played their fourth game in eight days away at the South West Peninsula League East champion’s Ivybridge Town and, although they battled throughout, the men from Erme Valley were far too strong on the day.

Playing without a recognised striker and asking Kevin Pike to play that role was asking too much and although Pikey was fabulous throughout the lads had no concentrated central outlet for their play.

Having lost so many good players and the management team half-way through the season this was a bridge too far for Crediton.

The Ivys scored an early goal that had a peculiar edge about it as Joel Jackson appeared to be fouled but then fell on the ball and was subsequently booked by the referee.

From the ensuing free kick the ball was followed up for 1-0.

For the remainder of the half Crediton showed themselves to be a willing and hard working side but disaster came in the last couple of minutes of the first half as they conceded first a second goal and quickly afterwards a third.

If they had gone in at 1-0 it could have been a different outcome but to go in at three down was too much for the away side.

In the second half they grew into the game, and really tried their best, but Ivybridge continued their passing game.

The home side scored two more goals as the half progressed and, although the lads did their best, the fixture list had taken its toll although there was a consolation from Sam Stapleton just before the end with a near post shot making the score a slightly more respectable, 5-1.

The season has still been a very respectable one and if we had not lost quite so many players who knows where the team might have finished in the league.

However, it is still possible they could finish second if they are successful with all their remaining games.

Well done lads. A 4-1 win over Teignmouth the following Saturday was a step in the right direction.

Crediton team: Chalk, Russell, Knight, Lee, Johnson, Bilcock, Radford, Jackson, Pike, Corrick and Stephens.

Man of the Match: Kevin Pike.

Paul Whittall