CREDITON UNITED 1 - HONITON TOWN 2

AN 86th minute winner was enough to send the Hippos home with all three points at Lords Meadow on Friday night, August 30.

A healthy crowd gathered for the South West Peninsular League East game and there was a good turnout from East Devon.

Crediton were hoping for immediate success after the convincing win at Torrington in the week, which must have filled them with confidence.

As this was the third game in six days for the home side some players were rested including centre forward Kenny Ord giving Will Burwood an opportunity and defender Brad Butterfield who was replaced by Ollie Saunders who lined up in the heart of defence with Kevin Pike.

Also there was a return for Harry Warren in midfield replacing the excellent Jake Murphy.

The first half was a competitive affair with both sides keen on attack, but neither goalie had a lot to do as the teams cancelled each other out.

It was Sam Stapleton who nearly opened the scoring in the 40th minute but his powerful shot was well saved by the Honiton goalie.

The second half was only three minutes old when a clumsy tackle from Saunders brought down Aaron Pearce in the box and he soon dusted himself down and whacked the ball past Ethan Chalk in the Crediton goal, 0-1 to Honiton.

Harry Warren then sliced his shot wide when well placed and shortly afterwards Honiton striker Aaron Pearce was through on goal but instead of putting the Hippos two up, he hoofed his shot way over the Crediton bar much to the delight of the home fans.

Things got even better for the home side as a cross from the left from Sam Stapleton found Luke White who’s glancing effort sailed into the corner of the net for 1-1.  This was his third goal in two games.

From them on the game could have gone either way but as both sides strove for the winning goal it appeared that a draw would be the final outcome.

Then with five minutes to go a corner was awarded to the away side and Jake Sellick rose unmarked at the far post and his in stoppable effort gave Honiton the lead.

This proved to be crucial and effectively won the game for the away side.

Much as Crediton huffed and puffed throughout the last few minutes they could not score and their unpredictable home form continued.

A mention of young Zak Khadaroo must be made as he showed no little skill and effort when he came on as a second half substitute.

Hopefully this result will be a minor blip as Crediton now have a couple of weeks without a game.

Crediton team: Chalk, Woodward, Knight, Lee, Saunders, Pike, Warren, Stephens, Burwood, White and Stapleton. Subs: Khadaroo, Ord, Metherell, Hale and Butterfield.

Man of the Match: Kevin Pike.  Attendance 153.

Paul Whittall