ELBURTON VILLA 0 - CREDITON UNITED 0

THIS was my third visit to Haye Road over the years and I have yet to witness a goal being scored.

When I arrived here a couple of years ago in the company of Dave Blanchford, Chris Gillard and our then chairman, the late and sadly missed Bob Chamberlain, it was a bleak Thursday night and Crediton were still challenging for the title.

It was absolutely freezing and the hard pitch didn’t do either side any favours as they battled away in vain.

So, here I am again sharing the pleasant company of stalwarts Mary Avery and current chairman Rod Hawker.

The South West Peninsular League East match game was a close affair and it was full of endeavour but neither side had any fortune in front of goal so another goalless draw was very much on the cards.

There was quite an amusing start to the game as after only a couple of minutes the referee showed that he had no patience with back chat and he sent an Elburton player to the sin bin where he glowered impatiently as is often the case in these scenarios.

As soon as he returned he was replaced in the bin by another Elburton player so the home side were down to 10 for some time during the first half.

Some refs you cannot hold even the mildest of passing pleasantries without repercussions.

There was no Kevin Pike on this occasion for Crediton and he likes a chat does Pikey. This, however was really the last of the entertainment as both sides huffed and occasionally puffed their way towards the half time orange.

The best chance fell to the away side and the ball was crossed only for centre forward Kenny Ord to send a volley just wide of the right hand post with the goalie stranded.

A lengthy injury to Kieran Knight followed and he had to be replaced and this would put Kieran out for the Tuesday night game.

Ethan Chalk was in good form and made some really good saves as the direct play of the home side created one or two chances, but as the game drifted on it became clear that the likelihood of goals receded somewhat.

There were good performances on both sides but the heaviness of the pitch did not do anyone favours and chances were few.

It became cold as the north wind struck and when it all ended there was an atmosphere of predictability about the result which was a resounding 0-0 draw.

It was good to get back to the shelter of the car which swung out of Haye Road so back to Crediton we went accompanied by the football commentaries and reports.

A useful point at a tricky venue which cements Crediton’s 8th place in the table and just above their hosts.

Crediton team: Chalk, Woodman, Knight, Lee, Burwood, Whitfield, Stephens, Bond, Ord, White and Stapleton.

Subs: Murphy and Silly.

Man of the Match: Ethan Chalk.

Attendance: 55.

Paul Whittall