Budleigh shave victory over Crediton in battle of the Robins

CREDITON UNITED 0-1 BUDLEIGH SALTERTON

Thanks to a splendid performance and goal from George Pannell it was Budleigh Salterton that grabbed all three points at Lords Meadow this afternoon in the South West Peninsular Division One East.

This amazingly was Crediton's first home tie since 10 November last year, due to awful weather over the winter. The pitch was decent enough today though, and despite the standalone goal it was a lively match that prevailed.

The Robins from the South West coast took the lead over their mid-Devon counterparts in the 11th minute thanks to No.8 George Pannell, who was terrific throughout the game. Budleigh had several chances to extend the lead in the first half - including an improvised donkey kick. They did get the ball in the net again around the half hour mark, but it was disallowed for offside.

At least three more shots from the visitors should have put the game to bed, if not for the cross-bar and some impressive saves from Crediton's James Satchell. One strike from Budleigh full back Liam Ellis even forced an unorthodox stop with the keeper's foot, shortly before another disallowed goal.

Three bookings followed - the home side's Kit Hardee for a challenge on Pannell, and two Budleigh players - including Danny Williams for halting a Crediton break.

It was United who were beginning to turn the screw in search of an equaliser. Proving unsuccessful from free-kicks and corners throughout the 90 minutes, Crediton should have been awarded a set piece of another kind in the closing moments. Forward Max Bristow was toppled in the area but referee David Keast deemed this unworthy of a penalty.

Although lucky not to have conceded the spot-kick, Budleigh Salterton probably deserved the win against a relatively new Crediton team. The victors overtake Newton Abbott Spurs to second in the league, although any dreams of claiming the title are probably over since undefeated Exmouth Town won yet again today to move eight points clear with four games in hand.

The other Robins in contrast remain one place above bottom and could do with picking up some points in their two games in hand.

The reserve team lost 4-2 away to Upottery at Glebe Park in the Devon & Exeter Division Three.

Condolences go out to the family and friends of Terry Parsons, who passed away two weeks ago. The former Exmouth player also coached Crediton, as well as managing at Morchard Bishop and Sandford.

ATTENDANCE: 46

MAN OF THE MATCH: George Pannell

BY ROBBIE JENNINGS, AT LORDS MEADOW