TORRINGTON 0 - CREDITON UNITED 3

CREDITON claimed all three points at Torrington on Tuesday, August 27, on a ground which traditionally has not held much joy for the men from Lords Meadow.

During the South West Peninsula League East match, Crediton were in complete control of this match almost from start to finish.

Even though the match was goalless at half time, Crediton had dominated throughout and by the very end had completely deserved their victory.

As we trundled up through the drizzle with chairman Rod Hawker and the ever loyal Chris Gillard, the skies turned black and it felt like we were entering a dark place.

After last year’s defeat to the men in Green, both home and away, we hoped for better things and we were not disappointed.

The team was a complete mixture of young, and not so young, with Dave Lee imperious in midfield and joined by Kevin Pike at the back and striker Kenny Ord who played his role of centre forward superbly and seemed always available to hold the ball up and distribute it wisely.

All three played their part in what was a great night for the Kirton. 

Torrington could do nothing but chase shadows as the away sides passing game began.

Jake Murphy in midfield hit the post after a fine team move and moments later had a fabulous effort just tipped round the post by the Torrington goalie.

Then Lukey White found himself in space in the box but turned his shot just round the post.

Apart from a near slip up just before half time the Crediton defence of Pike and Butterfield were untroubled and at the break Ethan Chalk had only one fairly tame shot to save, so it was with a hopeful heart that we trooped into the clubhouse for the half time orange and fairy cakes.

The second half was more of the same and it wasn’t long before Crediton were literally handed their lead as a penalty was awarded for handball.

Former Crediton boss John Veale, who was the man in charge on this occasion, pointed unhesitatingly to the spot and it was Lukey White who confidentially struck the ball home, 0-1 after 55 minutes.

Kenny Ord was put through on goal but was thwarted by a fine save.

Torrington made three substitutions and began to claw their way into the game and for 10 minutes or so threatened to force their way back into the match but as the contest swayed this way and that it was eventually Crediton who doubled their lead as after a fine move the ball fell to Lukey White who confidently smacked the ball home from the edge of the area, 0-2 after 80 mins. 

By now the home side had probably realised that the game was up and when substitute William Burwood made it three deep into the 10 minutes of injury time, played due largely to an injury to an unfortunate Torrington full back who copped it in the nethers, Ouch! it capped a wonderful night for the Kirton as they found themselves up to fifth in the table.

A marvellous win for Dan Western and the boys and well deserved.

There is a good deal of optimism for the future and it was a happy bunch that whizzed home through the dark lanes and back to Crediton.

Crediton team: Chalk, Woodman, Knight, Lee, Butterfield, Pike, Stephens, Murphy, Ord, White and Stapleton.

Subs: Burwood, Warren and Metherell.

Man of the Match: Dave Lee.

Paul Whittall