Elburton Villa 0 - Crediton United 0

South West Peninsula League

IT WAS a long trip to West Devon with Dave Blanchford, Chris Gillard and new chairman, Bob Chamberlain as we cruised down the A38 on a freezing cold Tuesday evening, where ultimately the Kirton faithful would be disappointed as the lads drew a blank for only the second time this season on a bone-hard pitch at Elburton. 

There was a healthy turn out from Crediton as we huddled together in the gloom hoping for a win that over the 90 minutes would have been no more than the lads deserved. 

Elburton are a strong and physical side and in complete contrast to Crediton’s slick passing style and movement off the ball. 

However, over the 90 minutes it proved enough for them to hang on, and despite their lowly league position they managed to shut out the league leaders. 

Kevin Pike was absent and was replaced by Sam Stapleton. 

Also, Jack Arthur was back in goal but remained largely a spectator throughout the game. 

Elburton were adept at getting men behind the ball and defended like their lives depended on it. 

In truth Crediton did not create many clear chances throughout and although they put in a good performance the goal simply would not come and the home keeper was not troubled unduly, apart from one fabulous shot from Adam Bilcock mid-way through the second half which he managed to tip over the bar. 

Time-after-time Crediton surged forward through Dan Preece Aidan Whitfield and Kieron Knight, all of whom had fine games, but the ball simply would not drop for the strikers milling around the box. 

The longer the game went on you felt it was not going to be their day. 

Ryan White was very impressive in a slightly deeper role. 

Time-after-time holding the ball up and bringing others into play. 

Harvey Dorothy had a quieter than usual game as he was followed everywhere by a couple of home defenders. 

In truth there were probably a few too many high balls into the box. 

Elburton are a big side and with one or two exceptions Crediton are not and time-after-time again the home side succeeded in thwarting Crediton. 

On another day the sheer dominance of the Crediton team would have resulted in a clear win for sure, but let’s not forget they are still top of the league and still have a good chance of claiming a healthy position in this final league table. 

There was disappointment also on the bench when the referee, who had a good game, blew the final whistle.

Crediton should not be downhearted because another day we would score many goals playing this way. 

This is always a point gained and we still remain top and now we are five points clear with Okehampton and Brixham chasing hard, Crediton are having a marvellous season that will live long in the memory.

Crediton team: Arthur, Whitfield(c), Knight, Bilcock, Johnson, Preece, Bennett, Down, White, Dorothy and Stapleton. 

Subs: Howe, Lee and Corrick. 

Man of the Match: Dan Preece.

Paul Whittall