AFTER all the bad weather last week, nearly two inches of rain according to a mate of mine, thanks to our groundsman Lloyd Phelps, Sandford managed to have their pitch at the George V Playing Fields ready to play their second round tie against Torridgeside from North Devon.

On a grey and damp afternoon Sandford kicked off, and the away side nearly made the first breakthrough when a header hit the post in the third minute.

Sandford rested their goalkeeper Shaun Hawkins and brought in their other keeper Charles Headley who was soon forced to make three or four brilliant saves to keep the score level.

The home side did manage to score in the 19th minute but it was ruled offside.

Then, finally Sandford went ahead in the 41st minute when, from a corner, Abe Dellamuro popped up to score his first goal for the club, 1-0.

Then, playing time added on, Torridgeside were awarded a penalty from which they scored.

At half time, 1-1.

The second half saw the "ford" make a few changes, Matt Baker up front replacing Jayden Friend.

A special mention goes out to our fullbacks Danny Stevens and Abe Dellamuro who played brilliantly.

It wasn't long before the changes began to work with Baker netting on the 51st minute, 2-1.

The away side, to their credit, kept plugging away but were tiring in the heavy conditions and two minutes later Baker made it 3-1.

The goals were coming fast now and in the 62nd minute centre half Tyler Morgan Hugget headed home from a corner, 4-1.

The north Devon side were still fighting and in the 78th minute headed their second goal, 4-2.

With a few minutes remaining Matt Baker helped himself to two more goals to bring his tally for half a game to four which rightly earned him man of match.

A great performance by all the squad and now Sandford progress to the quarter finals. Final score 6-2.

Next Saturday Sandford are away to Chagford and the following week are away to Bradninch.

AJH