SATURDAY, March 4 saw Sandford First team entertain jurassic coast side Lyme Regis at King George V Playing Field in Sandford.
This was another team from the top half of the league whose playing skill and fitness is higher than the home sides.
After their brilliant win the previous Saturday against Crediton, Sandford were looking for a good result in this match.
From the start Lyme took control having several chances in the first 20 minutes.
With the "Ford" stubbornly defending they managed a header wide on 29 minutes and also a free kick outside the penalty area which came to nothing.
On 37 minutes a long kick from the Lyme keeper was not cleared by the home defence, leaving one of their forwards to shoot home, 0-1 to the away side.
On 41 minutes a great run by skipper Darren Hughes almost led to a chance but came to nothing.
Half-time arrived with the score 0-1 to Lyme.
The second half started the same way as the first with the home side fighting to hold the away side.
Sandford, without a recognised centre forward and also lacking in height, were at a disadvantage at corners and balls played in the air.
On 48 minutes a blistering shot from a Lyme player produced a brilliant fingertip save over the bar by the Sandford keeper.
The home side were failing to convert the few chances they created and on the 63rd minute Lyme increased their lead to 0-2.
As the half played out the "Ford" boys kept trying to reduce the score but couldn't find that luck that was with them in the last game.
On 70 minutes Chris Hawkes missed a through ball chance and two minutes later skipper Darren went down in the box, only to be booked for diving.
The last chance of the match for the home team, a free kick outside the box by Sam Reeve, hit the bar.
Full time, Sandford 0 - Lyme 2.
Another full on effort from the "Ford" without any reward.
This Saturday the First Team are home to Kentisbeare.
The Seconds travelled to Morchard who are second in League Six and lost 4-1, hard luck lads. As far as I know they haven't got a game this week.
AJH