Crediton United 2 - Axminster Town 1

FOOTBALL has been scarce this year so far because of the wet weather.

This match between Crediton United and Axminster Town in the South West Peninsula League East, was the first time I have seen a Crediton United game for two months.

Despite the inconsistency of the weather, this was a close-fought encounter featuring two of the division’s better sides.

The Crediton side is almost unrecognisable from a couple of months ago with so many important players having left the club recently, but they seem to have unearthed a new striker with potential in the name of Tate Breslan-Agree who was the crucial difference between the two club's.

At the back there was new boy George Russell who also played really well and had confidence on the ball, which was good to watch.

Also in goal there was the welcome return of Lee "Creddy’ead" Waring who played a leading role and belied his years with a quite brilliant display between the sticks.

Crediton were trying to hang on to second place in the table behind the champions elect, Ivybridge, who were surprisingly beaten at Teignmouth the day after this encounter.

From the start both teams got into their rhythm and, although chances were few, both sides served up a well fought game.

Adam Bilcock was superb in his sweeper role and with Kevin Pike and Kieran Knight marauding up the wings there was every chance of a goal.

When it came, it was the home side that scored it, as a well taken effort from the edge of the box was palmed out by the visiting goalie and it was Tate Bresland-Agree who was first on the scene to lash the ball home for 1-0.

It was an example of the striker's instinctiveness and it was good to see.

Crediton just about deserved their lead as the sides trooped in for the mid match orange.

The second half was more of the same and as the game progressed the tackles began to fly in, although this was not an overly dirty game and was overall played in a good spirit, the referee insisted on adding his name collection for his little black book.

When Axminster equalised mid-way through the half it was a bit of a howler as the ball bounced off almost everywhere, including the post and keeper Waring, before eventually settling snuggly in the net.

It was tough on Crediton but Axminster had just about deserved their equaliser, 1-1.

Then, with around 10 minutes left, a fine shot and turn from Shay Corrisk hit the bar and it was Breslan-Agree who shot home what would prove to be the winner.

This capped a stylish performance from the youngster who looks a good addition to the squad and this reinforced Crediton’s second place in the table as they now turn to the local derby at Okehampton on Friday night.

A win here is long overdue as the Simmons Park men seem to currently have the Indian sign on the Kirton.

Anyhow this was a great win against stern opposition from the wilds of East Devon. Considering that they have lost so many good players recently this was a wonderful performance from the Crediton lads. Well done to Dan and Paul also.

Crediton team: Waring, Pike, Knight, Lee, Johnson, Russell, Stephens, Bilcock, Breslan-Agree, Corrick and Stapleton.  Subs: Tootel and Allum.

Man of the match: Tate Bresland-Agree.

Paul Whittall