SANDFORD AFC First team travelled to play Bampton, who lie third in Division 6, on Saturday, March 8.

They travelled with a bare number of players, some making their first appearances for a long while.

Sandford kicked off and after four minutes midfielder Ryan Trump fired in a speculative shot which should have been easy for the keeper but somehow let it go through his legs, 0-1 to Sandford.

On a rather uneven surface Sandford missed several chances to increase their lead.

With our leading scorer Matt Baker playing on the left wing instead of the middle those chances were either blocked or missed.

Then, on 15 minutes, Bampton broke through the middle and the shot went in over the diving "ford" keeper Charles Headley, 1-1.

The home side were coming more into the game and Sandford’s chances less, then, just before half time, Bampton scored a second to make it 2-1.

The second half started with the home side kicking off and soon started to take control, Sandford were fighting to keep the score down.

Dylan Spurway, making his first appearance for a long time, a left fullback, picked up an injury but was forced to play on because there were no subs.

Lewis Cook making a welcome return to the defence ran himself to a standstill as did Dom Cochran.

Then half way through the half the home side got another goal, 3-1 to Bampton.

With an official who rarely left the centre circle, some of his decisions for both teams had to be seen to believed.

At the final whistle Bampton ran out 3-1 winners.

On Saturday Sandford First team entertain Exeter University 6th at the George V Playing Field at 3pm.

A J H