CREDITON Youth FC’s Under 16’s went into their Exeter and District Youth League Plate Final against Okehampton Argyle, the reigning Division Two Champions, as very much the underdogs.
The final was played at Tiverton Town’s Ladysmead ground.
The first half was a fairly tight affair, with both teams defending superbly. Crediton Youth’s best chance came when a Samuel Del-Rio free kick struck the crossbar with Billy Stone just unable to turn the the rebound into the net.
With seconds remaining a fine long range effort found its way into the Crediton goal to send Okehampton into the break one goal up.
The Crediton lads started the second half the stronger side and soon got a much deserved equaliser through Billy Stone.
As the half progressed Okehampton got back into the game, when a great goal-line clearance from Ben Tilke only cannoned off an Okehampton player to find its way desperately into the Crediton net.
An outstanding save from man of the match Jordon Jones kept Crediton in the game, but it unfortunately resulted in him sustaining an injury which limited his mobility from then on.
As they pushed for the equaliser, and created several chances, Crediton Youth paid the ultimate price late on as Okehampton grabbed a third goal.
But in what was their final competitive game for Crediton Youth the boys can be extremely proud of the performance they gave and the part they played in a great final.