Crusaders go 4th with win over Robins

We produced another solid performance to deservedly defeat Bideford, although the visitors never gave up and always looked dangerous whenever the tricky little Billy Tucker was on the ball, but the ever-reliable Mark Draycott and the returning Stefan Brown (pictured) scored the goals which kept us in the play-off battle. We climbed to 4th.place when Truro lost at Cirencester and the play-offs became even tighter when Weymouth were thrashed at Chesham and St.Neots drew at Poole . Poole still look favourites for the title, but few would care to bet on the four play-off places and every game is vital.
Heavy rain during the morning made the pitch very wet and heavy, and it again needed a lot of hard work to ensure that the game went ahead, but all was well and there were no problems during the game.
A through pass from Stefan Brown was too quick even for the speedy Alan O’Brien and the ball ran through for a goal kick. Brown was caught offside in another attack and O’Brien’s cross went behind for a goal-kick as we syarted well and took the game to Bideford.
We took the lead in the 35th.minute when Draycott finished off a good move involving James Rusby and James Clark, but Tucker shot wide for the visitors and Brown went very close wit another good effort.
Bidedford’s Ian Sampson shot just wide early in the second half but we made it 2-0 .after 62 minutes when James Pilling set up Brown who finished confidently giving Steve Oliver no chance to save.
The visitprs came back strongly and earned three corners in succession after Paul Strudley had brought off a great save to keep,out the visitors, but we settled down again and should have had a penalty when Draycott was brought down, but the two goals were enough and the three points invaluable.
We now face two away games in succession followed by a blank week due to the demise of Hereford United, and the trip to St,Neots in two weeks time will be a crucial match.
Team; Strudley, Horgan, John, Rusby,Day,Rees(Boardman),Clark,Pilling, Brown, Draycott(Goodger),O’Brien(Mpi). Subs;Tutu, Wilson..