Cullompton were on their travels to Honiton on Tuesday evening, to face Crediton. This was the semi final of the Walter C Parsons Peninsular League Cup.
There was a cautious beginning to the first half, with both sides struggling to get to grips with the hard surface.
The game’s first flash point came after 10 minutes, when a Crediton player was booked after a poor tackle; a decision that didn’t go down well with the Crediton players, judging by their protests to the officials.
The game itself became more open, with both sides creating and spurning chances.
Midway through the half, Aiden broke through the middle, only to be hauled back by a Crediton player. The referee had no choice but to book the player, and as he had already been booked, sending him off.
The rest of the half was played out without further incidents, neither side able to manage a shot on goal.
The second half began with Cullompton looking to take advantage of their extra man, and it wasn’t long before they were in front, a shot from Zac Williams was parried by Crediton’s keeper, falling to Lewis Hill, who calmly slotted it home.
Cullompton were well on top now, and soon they added a second goal. A great run down the right by Lloyd White, whose cross into the Crediton penalty area, was headed home by Aiden Horne.
This should have been the signal for Cullompton to wrap the game up.
It seemed though they became a little sloppy, sitting back waiting for the final whistle, and were made to pay for doing so, when a poor pass in midfield, allowed Crediton to break through and score.
There were a few nervy moments, especially as Crediton had reduced the score line. To his credit, the Cullompton manager made several substitutions.
The changes worked immediately seeing Aiden breaking through the Crediton defence, only to be upended on the edge of the Crediton penalty area. The referee showed the offending player a yellow card, then a red card, as it was also his second yellow. Now the referee was surrounded by Crediton players protesting the decision. The referee dealt with the situation calmly, before issuing a card, 10 minutes in the sin bin to a defender.
Crediton were now down to eight players, and Cullompton took full advantage, when clever play between Zac Williams and Braden Morris, saw Braden score from close range.
There was just time for the restart before the referee blew for full time.
A deserved semi final win will see Cullompton moving to the final to play either Honiton or Penzance on May 5th.
Venue and time to be announced.
Final Score Cullompton 3 Crediton 1
Rev the roving reporter.
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