RUSSELL HARRISON has made a confident step up to the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League with three goals in his first two games for Appledore.

After his opening-day strike against Alphington, the summer signing scored twice more as Appledore won 3-1 at Crediton United on Friday night.

Manager Geoff Copp admitted it was Harrison's workrate rather than goal-rate that stood out when he first joined from North Devon League premier division side Braunton.

Copp said: "In pre-season he wouldn't have been able to buy a goal. It wouldn't happen.

"Then he got one in the last friendly, a little tap-in.

"His effort, endeavour and enthusiasm to work for the team is brilliant. That's why he's here.

"Every goal he scores is a bonus. You look to Richard Hevingham to score the goals to a degree."

Both strikers have been on target in the first two games as Appledore have made a strong start.

After condemning Credition to their third straight defeat, the visitors went top of the first division (east) table, albeit for less than 24 hours.

But Copp was far from happy with the display at Lords Meadow, particularly in the opening 20 minutes.

"It was a poor performance but we came out of it with a good three points and we're the only team in the league with a 100 per cent record," he said.

"At the end of the day, we have won two, scored six and conceded one. I can't not be pleased, but there are things to address."

They survived a shaky opening spell as Jimmy Thorne made two saves, while Adam Copp and Gary Skinner both made goal-line clearances.

"We looked at sixes and sevens, it was awful," said Copp. "You would have thought we'd never played together."

In fairness, it was only the second time the back five, including new centre halves Scott Maynard and Jamie Frickleton, plus goalkeeper Thorne, had played a competitive game together.

After the slow start they took control with Harrison bundling in the opening goal when Fred Tonkin fumbled a deep cross from James Rees.

Hevingham doubled the lead, expertly curling a low shot from 18 yards after Skinner switched play with a cross from the left.

And the contest was over four minutes into the second half when Harrison headed a free kick beyond the stranded Tonkin.

At that stage the only concern for Appledore was the loss of substitute Ben Layland who was suffering from stomach cramps.

On in place of Harrison for his first appearance of the season, he lasted barely ten minutes before having to be replaced by Will Nicholls.

Crediton's consolation, a header from Wayne Baker, was the first goal Thorne had conceded in 160 minutes as an Appledore player.

They will be without Nicholls for the trip to Totnes and Dartington on Saturday as he starts a long suspension carried over from last season with Shamwickshire Rovers.