CREDITON UNITED 2 - AXMINSTER TOWN 1

CREDITON United managed to win this South West Peninsula League East match, which was a hard fought affair, against the league's bottom side.

Axminster have not had a successful time of it this season and lie rock bottom of the league.

This is a shame because it’s a pleasure to go there and visit their well appointed ground, speak to friendly locals and enjoy their fantastic programme.

When we went there a couple of months ago we ran out winners with Kenny Ord, who did not play in this game, scored four times.

Sam Stapleton was also absent leaving Crediton a little bare up front.

The league seems to be split into two halves with the home side at the top of the lower half, although they have a few games in hand due to the inclement and unpredictable nature of the weather. However, there was a familiar look about Crediton and from the outset they attempted to play their usual passing game.

There was an early blow for the home side as Axminster drew blood after only four minutes as Bradley Conway picked up the ball and sent an absolute rocket into the top corner of the net with poor old Ethan Chalk clutching at thin air, 0-1.

Axminster were exhibiting great determination and were unrecognisable from the side we beat comfortably recently.

With Dave Lee and Kevin Pike in the centre of defence and the willing Harry Warren in midfield, the home side started to claw their way into the first half.

There was chance after chance for the home side but the ball would not go in and Crediton were denied by the crossbar.

Then, on the stroke of half time an opportunist goal from diminutive striker Lukey White made the scores level, 1-1.

It was no more than Crediton deserved and the loyal followers hoped for more of the same as the second half began.

The referee had a good match which no doubt pleased the assessor sitting in the stands.

Particularly influential was young Louis Stephens who linked up well with the attackers and time after time he managed to be a key player.

Kevin Pike was an example to all and never stopped hurtling about for the full 95 minutes and played with his usual gusto.

Then a smart jinking run from Kieran Knight ended at the feet of Lukey White who sent a terrific volley into the Axminster net and the score was 2-1.

The game swayed this way and that but in the end it was Crediton who just shaded it and picked up three useful points.

Next up for the Kirton are home ties against Teignmouth and Newton Abbot Spurs.

Incidentally the draw for the semi finals of the League Cup have been made and Crediton have a forthcoming home tie against Cullompton Rangers at the end of March.

The team consisted of: Chalk, Woodman, Knight, Lee, Pike, Khadaroo, Stephens, White, Warren, Burwood and Bond. Substitute was: Silley Grossett.

Man of the match was: Kevin Pike.

Paul Whittall