The Vikings returned victorious from their basement battle bringing home three points for the first time this season.
With pride at stake a “nine pointer” was keenly fought out on a grassy but bobbly Crediton pitch.
Town with their side packed with Western League players as Veale,Kirtons manager suggested, were by far superior as up to 12 regular starters sat & watched from the stands!
The game started with Creditons players showing good individual touches but the Vikings had the clearer chances especially Nick Gingell who froze like the proverbial “rabbit in the headlights” when twice put through with only the keeper to beat.
The hosts went close when a shot-cum cross was well judged by Jack Burgess to clear the bar and at the opposite end Matt Rasmussen had a great effort blocked by the goalie.
Just as it seemed the sides would finish the half all square a Darren Thomas ball to Sam Baker was fed to Rasmussen who swivelled and played a perfectly weighted through ball to Andy Isaacs who expertly dispatched the ball into the far corner to give the Vikings the lead.
Crediton came at the visitors in the second half but the Viking defence of Lord, Griffiths, Badcock and Thomas stood firm. Chances went begging to increase the lead for the visitors before Kirtons equaliser with a well executed free kick from 25 yards brought the sides level.
Surely the midfield of Baker, Stamp, Raistrick and Gingell would conjour up chances for that elusive first victory. On 70 minutes Baker was again instrumental with firstly great control, then beating two men with a dummy and played a square ball to Alex Raistrick who gave the keeper no chance from 25yards with a rasping effort that went in via the post.
Cue wild celebrations from the players, management and a noisy support from the Vikings supporters who must have doubled the gate.
Crediton came back as expected hitting the post on one occasion whilst at the other end Rasmussen, Isaacs and Hudson all squandered decent openings to increase the lead. As it was it was enough to see them home and give a massive boost to all concerned with the club.
Paddy writes: I am so relieved, pleased, and proud for everyone, we have played a lot better and lost!
Personally I want to thank all the committee, players, members & staff at the club for their total backing in what has been a truly frustrating season. A real “ninepointer” whatever that means? Western League players? On that showing I would hope not! Mike Stamp even bought some beers! Followed by Chairman Colin Ralls, all this in one evening was too much to take in.