Folly Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.

Lympstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

SATURDAY's home fixture for Folly Gate against Lympstone turned into a nightmare as just about everything, including the results, went against them, suffering a 5-0 defeat.

The referee unusually took League guidance on the use of creosote for line marking to the extreme, deciding the match could not go ahead, although the creosote had been down for three weeks and white lines were being completed at the time of the referee's inspection.

After much deliberation the match was switched to Exbourne's pitch although with kick-off already delayed Lympstone were still waiting for players held up in traffic queues on the A30.

When the game eventually got underway the disruption appeared to have goalkeeper Andy Kerse at sixes and sevens as he uncharacteristically misjudged what he thought was to be a cross but was instead a very deliberate and accurate shot into his empty goal.

Folly Gate appeared to recover and Steve Hooper laid on a good chance for Tim Shaw, with the keeper pulling off a good save.

The ball to Hooper had however been won in a very hard tackle involving Stuart Birch, who suffered a broken leg in the process.

Yet another delay ensued as an ambulance was required to move the player from the centre of the pitch.

Play resumed at 4.30pm with the game barely ten minutes old substitute Darren Peacock provided encouragement with a well flighted cross-shot which curled beyond the keeper but struck the upright.

Despite the earlier incident both sides were fully committed in the challenge.

A crucial second arrived for Lympstone just before half time as a well-directed header looped into the top corner after a swift break.

Still determined to get something out of the game Folly began to look the brighter side when a late tackle saw a Lympstone player booked.

But more importantly Kenny Vallence was sent off for protesting at the attitude of their visitors who, to their credit, asked the referee for some understanding but none was shown.

For a good while Folly continued to attack but tiredness and errors crept in and Lympstone took full advantage as they finished comfortable winners.

The side will need to pick themselves up after this debacle in time for this week's fixture in the cup, at present due to be played at home!