ON Saturday, February 21, Sandford First team played their Devon Intermediate Cup Quarter Final against Exmouth Albion First team.

The tie, originally due to be played on Exmouth’s home ground but because of the terrible weather of late the match was relocated to Ashbury Manor near Okehampton.

When Sandford arrived they found the pitch which was an all weather pitch was still in use. There was no official from the league except for the referee who also came from Exmouth.

Conditions at the venue were not really good for a skilful game as it was raining and the wind was blowing.

At 2pm the match started with Albion kicking off.

The Exmouth side had played there the week before whereas the Sandford side had no experience of playing on the surface apart from training nights in Crediton.

The home side, playing with the wind soon began to force the "ford" on the defence with keeper Charles Headley making some brilliant saves, helped out the rest of team.

On 13 minutes Sandford had their first shot at Exmouth goal which was saved.

Then again keeper Headley was called upon to keep the "ford" in the game with more saves.

The whole Sandford side were running their hearts out trying hard to keep the score level and as halftime arrived they had succeeded, 0-0.

The second half started with Sandford kicking off and playing with the wind, hopefully with more success this half.

On 47 minutes Sandford had a free kick outside the box which was taken by captain Sam Reeves, his shot unfortunately went straight at the keeper.

Then on 64 minutes a chance fell to winger James Durand but failed to score.

A minute later Shaun Stapleton headed a chance over the bar. Sandford were doing a lot better this half.

Matt Baker who had come on at halftime had a couple of chances which came to nothing.

As the tie came to an end no extra time penalties loomed. The score stood at 0-0 at full-time.

So, on to the penalties which, unfortunately for Sandford, finished up 5-4 in Exmouth’s favour.

It was a bitter pill for the team to swallow as they had run and fought so hard all match and I have nothing but praise for all the squad members who played they did Sandford proud, well done lads.

Now it's on to the league. Our next match is supposed to be this coming Saturday at Sandford but it all depends on the weather. Once again the lads did Sandford proud.

AJH