OKEHAMPTON ARGYLE 3 - CREDITON UNITED 5

A FABULOUS win for Crediton United FC and a long overdue victory at Simmons Park in Okehampton, which traditionally has not been a happy hunting ground over the years for the men from Lords Meadow.

In recent duels Okehampton Argyle would score significantly during the last few minutes of these encounters.

After Crediton's recent loss to Cullompton it was generally considered that they would be on a hiding to nothing at third place Okey.

In fact the home sides supporters were in confident mood and as the teams took to the field they were completely unprepared for what followed which led to some leaving the ground before the end.

There were new faces on show for Crediton and it gave them a lift.

Louis Garnsworthy lined up at back with the immaculate Kevin Pike and this meant that Alex Bond lined up, in midfield with Harry Warren and this pairing worked tremendously.

This left a three pronged attack of Tre Davey, Will Burwood and Kenny Ord and this triumvirate gave the Okehampton defence nightmares throughout.

There were also some Crediton old boys in Adam Bilcock and the speedy Dan Koita in evidence.

Kenny led brilliantly and showed his experience as he grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and as well as scoring an important goal he ran the Okey rearguard ragged for 90 minutes.

With the game a couple of minutes old a fine move from Crediton was finished by Kenny who fired in at the far post with ex Crediton goalie Jack Arthur given no chance, 0-1.

Five minutes later the game was turned on its head as Okehampton scored twice in two minutes, firstly a left foot pile driver flew into the Crediton net for 1-1 and almost immediately and directly from a corner on the left the ball was swept in and Okey had the lead, 2-1.

In the 30th minute Harry Warren picked up the ball and unleashed a terrific volley which flew into the top left hand corner and levelled the scores at 2-2.

Constant Crediton surges followed and soon regained the lead as Will Burwood finished clinically from close range, 2-3.

Still goal scoring had not ended and deep into first half stoppage time a fourth goal arrived for the visitors as Sam Stapleton finished off a flowing move and made the score 2-4.

The second half was a battle as Okehampton started to put pressure on but still Crediton came forward. Substitutions were made and the game began to open up.

It was good to see Lukey White coming on after recent injury problems and he added some skill to the midfield. A free kick was awarded just outside the penalty area and from Lukey White's impeccable delivery the ball was glanced into the net by Tre Davey and home goalie Jack Arthur was routed to the spot, 2-5.

This gave Crediton the cushion they needed and although the speedy Dan Koita pulled a goal back for the home side right at the end it was Crediton who gained victory.

This had been a long time coming and to see the smiles on the faces of the travelling faithful was marvellous to see. Well done lads and let’s hope for some good days in 2025.

Paul Whittall