Crediton are improving, according to boss Veale

CREDITON United manager Jon Veale insists things are slowly improving at Lord's Meadow, despite watching his side slump to a 10th league defeat of the season.

Kirton trailed Alphington 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Matt Wonnacott and Tom Bath. Stuart Smith then made it 3-0 before Bradley Read pulled one back. Smith bagged another before Crediton's Adam Bilock scored two minutes from time.

And Veale believes the spirited nature of their second-half showing is a source of encrouagement.

"It is slowly but surely getting better," said Veale, who also revealed that the club had signed central midfielder Lee Atkins.

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"Alphington are a good side, although I have to say the pitch was totally unplayable.

"They got a good first goal but a very lucky second. We changed things around a fair bit after half-time and were much better afterwards.

"I don't think 4-2 was a fair scoreline. Yes, Alphington probably deserved to win, but not by that score."

Kirton held their own for the first half an hour before falling behind when Wonnacott converted Bath's pull-back. Bath's floated left-wing cross then fortuitously drifted into the top corner to double the lead.

Smith grabbed his first of the afternoon after forcing the ball home from a Grant Leslie corner on the hour-mark,

But Veale's men were not done, and they finally bagged the goal their pressure merited when Read scored 12 minutes from time.

Smith restored the Alphas' three-goal cushion with a low effort just three minutes later, but Bilock made things respectable with a header two minutes before the final whistle.

Things are certainly not going to be any easier for Kirton on Saturday, as they face a trip to unbeaten league leaders Exmouth Town.

And while Veale admits the odds are against his young side, he says it will provide a decent test for them.

"We have some really tough games coming up so that will be a really good test of character for the young lads," he said.

"Exmouth are going to be really, really tough for us. Are we going to get anything out of it? Maybe not, but at least the pressure won't be on us and we can go there and just give it our best shot, while they'll be expected to win.

"They are undefeated and top of the league, so obviously they are absolutely flying just at the minute.

"It will also be useful for the young lads in the team and give them all a bit more experience."