MONDAY, May 13 saw Sandford First team welcome Clyst Valley to the George V Playing Field for a Premier League evening match.

After a day of steady rain conditions the "ford" didn't allow for the short passing game to develop so it was a game of long balls.

Sandford at this stage of the season have been decimated by injuries to both the First and Second teams so with three games to the end of the season it's been a hard job for manager Ben Waller to find 11 fit players.

At 6.45pm Clyst kicked off under a darkening sky, would we be able to see at the end of the game?

Sandford were the first to attack and forced the first shot of the game. Both sides found the playing surface difficult with the ball shooting off the wet grass.

After a series of attacks by both sides, the home side were the first to score through Owen Gregory on 13 minutes.

Unfortunately Clyst fought back and equalised two minutes later.

The "ford's" stand-in keeper Adam Stanbury was doing his best to keep the score down with some good blocks.

Then, on 20 minutes, Clyst increased their lead to make the score 1-2.

Sandford’s weaknesses with injuries was now beginning to show with a lack of speed and soon Clyst went 1-3 up on 25 minutes.

On 34 minutes Sandford scored to make the score 2-3.

The second half got underway and soon Clyst had scored again on 48 minutes.

The home side wouldn't give up and scored through Levi Burt, 3-4 on 52 minutes.

With 59 minutes gone Owen Gregory went down injured holding his ankle.  He came off and was substituted with Kieron Smith.

On 60 minutes Darren Hughes shot wide for the "ford”.

Seven minutes later Clyst were awarded a penalty which increased their lead to 3-5.

On 87 minutes Sandford had a free kick on the right side of the 18-yard box from which Jack Perry hit a beautiful left-footed shot into the net for his second of the game, 4-5. 

Then, with the light getting worse, Clyst scored just before the end to make the final score 4-6 to Clyst Valley.

Another brave effort from a depleted Sandford side.

On Saturday, May 18, the First team are at home to Upottery, kick-off 3pm.

A J H