SANDFORD FC First Team started the first of its final five games in this season’s Exeter and District Football League, when the team played Colyton at the George V Playing Field in Sandford on Saturday, April 27.
On a lovely sunny afternoon the away side kicked off, playing up towards the village.
After two minutes, a lovely through ball to left-winger Darren Hughes let him through on goal, but the chance was wasted.
On six minutes Colyton took the lead with a cross from the right wing, finding a player in the middle who shot past Shaun Hawkins in the Sandford goal, 0-1.
On 12 minutes Sandford front player Greg Mildon charged down the keeper’s clearance, only for the ball to go the wrong side of the post.
On 14 minutes right winger Chris Hawkins suffered a head injury but after medical attention was able to play on.
Sandford players, a lot of whom are playing for the first team as well as the second team because the club is suffering an injury crisis losing players every match, were tiring against a fast Colyton side.
But, on 25 minutes they got their reward when Chris Hawkins scored to even the score, 1-1.
Just five minutes later Colyton went back into the lead when a cross from the right was headed home, 1-2.
Half-time arrived with the score at 1-2.
The second half started with Sandford showing more fighting spirit and on 46 minutes another Hawkes header was saved by the keeper.
Two minutes later Chris Hawkins scored another to level the scores, 2-2.
Sandford were back in the game until Colyton went back into the lead, 2-3.
On 55 minutes Colyton hit the bar but it was ruled offside.
Sandford were still chasing but they were tiring and Colyton were winning the midfield battle.
They scored two more towards the end with Sandford managing one more, courtesy of Sam Reeve. Final score was Sandford 3, Colyton 5.
Unfortunately some mistakes in defence let us down.
This Saturday the First team are at home to Sidmouth Town Seconds.
The Second Team's match at Axmouth was postponed.
This week on Tuesday, April 30, the Seconds play Exeter Royals at home with a 6.30pm kick-off.
On Friday, May 3 the Seconds play Beacon Knights at home with a 6.45pm kick-off. Come on "ford”.
A J H