ON Saturday, October 10, in the second round of the Devon Intermediate Cup, Sandford were drawn at home to North Tawton who we came second to in the league last season.

With the ground beginning to soften up slightly after some rain, and the sun shining, we were all set for cracking game.

Sandford were without regular keeper Charles Headley and Shaun Hawkins stepped in between the posts.

The visitors kicked off and soon forced Hawkins into action, they had a few more chances before Rowan Bosacki went close for Sandford in the fifth and sixth minutes.

After nine minutes Tawton opened their account and we all feared for a repeat of last year, 1-0.

Then on 12 minutes keeper Hawkins launched a high ball down field and as the ball came down the Tawton keeper misjudged the bounce and the ball went over his head and into the net, 1-1.

This spurred the "ford" into action and one minute later the ball came to forward Jayden with his back to the goal, he took it brilliantly and turned and shot into the corner of the net, 2-1.

If this took some believing, three minutes later Sandford made it 3-1 with Rowan Bosacki getting his just rewards with a goal.

Tawton were a bit shell shocked but came back with a thunderous shot from all of 35 to 40 yards which cannoned off the post.

In this period, leading up to halftime the "ford" had two penalty decisions disallowed one being a push in the back in the area.

On 32 minutes Tawton scored to make the score 3-2.

It looked as if that was going to be the score at halftime until, with seconds to go, Jayden popped up to score his second of the afternoon and make the score 4-2 at the interval.

The second half began with Sandford awarded a free kick after 47 minutes but captain Sam Reeves shot wide.

Tawton were coming more into the game but the defence held tight.

On the 69th minute Tawton got their third goal of the afternoon making the score 4-3.

The visitors pressed hard looking for the equaliser with several corners which came to nothing, then on the 84th minute there was a clash of heads but both players were ok after treatment.

Four minutes from the end a "ford" player was brought down in the penalty area and captain Sam Reeves dispatched the ball into the corner of the net, 5-3.

Sandford ran out winners 5-3. Another brilliant game by all the players, well done.

Next Saturday Sandford are home to Exeter University 8th. KO 3pm.

AJH