Ottery St Mary manager Mike Dawe is looking forward to his sides Devon Intermediate Cup tie at Sandford (2pm), and has good reason to be feeling confident, writes Steve Birley.

That’s because the Otters have been significantly strengthened with the availability of a player who Dawe regards as ‘one of my best’.

James Gosney is back from Spain and so takes his place at centre half for the trip to Sandford.

With regular right back Callum Rogers still out with a knee problem, Ben Evans comes in as a ‘like-for-like’ replacement.

Another player who has not been available of late to Dawe is also back – Jake Allen has been away in Canada with the Army, but he too is in the side for a cup tie that Dawe feels is one they can win.

He says: “I am going there (Sandford) to win. Yes, they are currently unbeaten at home and enjoying a good start to the season , but we drew there a couple of weeks ago and I think we have a game plan in place to make sure we continue our run in a cup competition that I value highly. It’s a chance to put Ottery St Mary AFC on the map in football terms, and that is something I continue to crave. I have said it before and I shall keep beating this particular drum – it’s important that we get this club as high up the football pyramid as we can and as quickly as we can. Doing well in the county cup can help us on our way.”