South West Peninsula League East

HOLSWORTHY 0  - CREDITON UNITED 5

WHISPER it softly but Crediton United is beginning to play some completely enthralling football.

The passing and movement is first class and it is a joy to watch.

If there are people out there who have not been to Lords Meadow this season I advise them strongly to turn up and support the lads.

This display at Upcott Field on Saturday, September 17, was simply sublime and if it were not for the fact they made five substitutions during the second half the score could’ve been even more overwhelming.

The home side was simply no match for their visitors and it all extends the unbeaten record to eight matches in the league.

From the very outset Crediton looked by far the most impressive side and quickly got into their stride.

The passing was simply sublime as well as the movement off the ball and with the back four looking as sharp as any that has ever worn a Crediton shirt, they soon made the outcome seem certain.

The first chance went to Sam Stapleton who gave the Holsworthy full back a torrid afternoon from start to finish as he cut inside and fired a shot in that was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Then Kevin Pike appeared to be bundled over in the box but no free-kick was given, let alone a penalty that would have been a dead cert in the Premier League.

In the 27th minute Crediton took the lead through Shay Corrick who side footed home a wonderful cross by Sam Stapleton.

Three minutes later it was two as from Kevin Pike’s cross the Holsworthy number three clearly handled and from the resultant penalty James Mudge hammered the ball home giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Crediton were now in complete control and with Oakley Bennett driving the team forward from midfield a long ball out of defence sent wingback Dan Preece clear and he finished superbly to make it 3-0 to Crediton.

This was in the 44th minute but there was still time for Sam Stapleton to carry out a jinking run and cross to find Jamie Mudge who headed in number four to give Crediton a wonderful and comfortable lead going in at the break.

The gloomy atmosphere in the clubhouse at half-time was palpable and we commiserate with a very glum Holsworthy president.

What impressed me was the way in which the defence changed their style at times from a flat back four which worked very well to a back three with Adam Bilcock dropping back meaning the full backs could surge forward.

The second-half began and in the same vein as the first but an uncharacteristic defensive lapse almost let Holsworthy in as the home centre forward attempted to chip Ethan Clark but the goalkeeper made a fine save.

In the 52nd minute Sam Stapleton hit the bar after a poor clearance and Oakley Bennett shot just over and it looked as though more goals were on the way.

A free-kick from Kieron Knight was wonderfully tipped over the bar by the home goalkeeper but sadly the linesman considered it to have hit the bar so no corner was given.

Then on 63 minutes it was five as a fortunate cross come shot from Dan Preece found the keeper nowhere and the ball looped over him and into the top left corner, 5-0.

Five subs were made in total by Crediton and the game began to break up a little as a result but still Crediton surged forward in search of more goals.

Young Jack Fanning was particularly impressive in defence and surged forward whenever he could.

Leon Tottell had a fine mazy run and shot that was just saved by the goalkeeper and the defence held firm when Holsworthy came forward which was not often.

All-in-all this was a magnificent and clinical performance from Crediton and set them up for the forthcoming league and cup fixtures against Sidmouth Town.

The management team are assembling a squad of rare talent and it is a simply joyful to watch the way Crediton are playing these days in such a confident and skilful way. Keep it going lads.

Crediton team: Clark, Preece, Knight, Goss, Johnson, Bilcock, Corrick, Bennett, Stapleton, Mudge and Pike. Subs: Howe, Fanning, Tottel, Stephens and Snow.  Man of the Match: Dan Preece.

Dave Blanchford would like to thank all those taking part in the Crediton golf day which commences at midday on Friday this week at Downes Crediton Golf Club on the outskirts of Crediton.

Paul Whittall