CREDITON UNITED 1 BRIDPORT 4

TO say that the score flattered Bridport would be a massive understatement.

They have landed in the South West Peninsula League East after many years of Western League football in this part of West Dorset and are a strong and well drilled outfit with a healthy crowd of supporters some of whom turned up for this encounter.

Being a big fan of vinyl records I was pleased to see they were sponsored by Clock Tower Records in the town.

Although the away side were third in the league there was never anything to suggest that the two sides were not evenly matched.

It was good to see a president of the club Dave Blanchford who was in good form after his recent stroke and has not lost any of his usual vim and vigour.

Crediton put out a strong side which included the return of Kevin Pike and Aidan Whitfield in defence and hopes were high as the teams entered the pitch.

However, the match had only just started when Bridport were awarded a penalty for a trip on their centre forward George Geraghty which was converted by Stefanos Sevrianos for 0-1.

I didn’t see the foul as I was still noting down the teams but apparently it was a stonewall one.

For Crediton to go down so early was a blow but they did not show it and chances came quickly.

Firstly, and after a sweeping move Sam Stapleton hoofed one over the bar and shortly after the same player got in behind the defence and saw another effort follow the same route.

Then, in the 35th minute a jinking run from his own half by Aidan Whitfield ended in him being sent crashing to the floor and from the resultant free kick Lukey White found the top corner with his usual aplomb for 1-1.

This was no more than Crediton deserved and as the teams trooped in, 1-1 was about right.

Any optimism that was held was soon distinguished however for as soon as the second half started there was more disaster as the referee gave the away side an innocuous penalty as the ball appeared to brush Callum Woodman on the arm with no other player anywhere to be seen. Bridport duly scored through Sevrianos and now led 1-2.

This was a bitter blow for the home side as the half was only a couple of minutes old.

Then, the game swung this way and the Crediton had some very good chances to equalise but it was just not happening as said chances were squandered.

Substitutes were brought on but still the ball would not go in. Finally and with around five minutes left Bridport broke away on the right and a wonderful cross was met by a ruthless diving header from Riley Weedon and the score was 1-3.

There was still time for Bridport to break away and score a clinical fourth through substitute Joe Charles which made it 1-4 on the day.

This was tough on Crediton who were always in the game but of course if you cannot take your chances this often is the way things turn out.

Just the two games left now and they are against Okehampton on Good Friday followed by a trip to Bovey Tracey and then that’s it for another season in which Crediton have played some good football at times.

In particular the win at Okehampton springs to mind as probably our best result. Also reaching the semi final of the League Cup was a notable achievement.

They look to be finishing in a comfortable mid table position so well done to all the players and the management team and of course the solid band of helpers who keep this club going.

Crediton team. Chalk, Woodman, Burwood, Lee, Whitfield, Pike, Stephens, Bond, Ord, White and Stapleton. Subs: Tootel, Perry, Garnsworthy and Bragg.

Man of the Match: Dave Lee.

Paul Whittall