Spurs Lead by a Whisker after Crediton Loss
SWPL Division One East leaders Newton Abbot Spurs entertained Crediton United on Saturday. Five goals were scored at the Rec but it was Creddy who claimed the points to move level on points.
Spurs welcomed back Adam Dyson to the starting line-up but it was Liam Moseley who almost kicked off the scoring, winning a race with Dave Lee but unable to find a way around Crediton goalkeeper Fred Tonkin. Spurs wasted further chances to break the deadlock, Charlie Robinson heading Liam Jones’ corner over and Jones sending a headed effort straight at Tonkin after a chipped cross from Shaun Bowden. The home side were made to pay for their profligacy as Crediton scored twice in a minute just after the half hour mark. Jon Bradford headed home the first, directing Lawrence Khoo’s cross into the bottom corner despite Matt Bojar getting a glove to it. Then, in the 33rd minute, Bradford’s through ball, from a quick United break, found Richard Blake who scored at the near post. Four minutes after the restart, Spurs were celebrating their first goal of the afternoon although the visitors protested that Dyson had been offside when he nudged George Dandridge’s ball into Bowden’s path. The midfielder still had plenty to do to evade Tonkin and finish inside the post though. On 57 minutes, Kyrton restored their two goal lead after Bojar’s weak pass fell to Steve Morish. The latter was slowed by Kevin Dadd’s defending but got the ball across to Blake who bagged his brace with a drive past Bojar. Joe Andrews crossed for fellow sub Jake Chisholm to tap home another lifeline with 18 minutes left. But it was Crediton who finished the stronger, Lee Riggs hitting the bar and Adam Bilcock testing Bojar a number of times from distance. The visitors claimed a well earned three points and now sit behind Spurs only on account of three fewer goals scored.
Four goals and a clean sheet for Brixham AFC away at Budleigh Salterton leaves them one point behind the top two with a game in hand and a home tie against Spurs on New Year’s Eve. Sean Kenny opened the scoring after 20 minutes to give the Fishermen a half-time lead. David Worthington’s long range lob extended the visitors’ advantage on 55 minutes before Kenny ended any hope of a Robins comeback five minutes later with his second. On 70 minutes, Matt Micklewright netted to finish off a fine afternoon for Jason Couch’s side.
Stoke Gabriel kept pace, defeating the Vikings of Sidmouth Town 3-1 at Broadley Lane to remain a point behind Brixham. Debutant Shaun Finch gave the Railwaymen the ideal start after just four minutes and struck again moments into the second period to restore the home side’s lead after Sidmouth had equalised with a fierce Riki Pitter strike. Tom Kelly settled the nerves with a third a few minutes later.
In the derby at the War Memorial Ground, Teignmouth came out on top with the only goal of the game. n a battling encounter, Teigns managed to find the net after sweeping home a rebound from a penalty.
Gary Spiller’s 24th minute penalty put Axminster Town one to the good against visiting Liverton United who had beaten the Tigers 3-0 back in September at Halford. Connor Stewart restored parity with a 34th minute free-kick which beat Scott Wells-Burr and Stewart also struck the post with a second half drive. Axminster looked to have got away with a draw but Neil Last had other ideas, beating the ‘keeper in stoppage time to send the Lillies home happy.
Elsewhere, a Callum Livingstone double and Joe Bushin strike saw Bovey Tracey Reserves overcome Exwick Villa 3-1 away but Totnes and Dartington lost by the same scoreline away at St Martins.
