ON Saturday, October 14, Sandford AFC First team played their ninth match of the present season when Lyme Regis First team were the visitors to the King George V Playing Field. 

On a lovely sunny afternoon, with the pitch in great condition (thanks to Lloyd Phelps), the home side kicked-off and on two minutes got their first corner which was cleared by the Lyme defence. 

Three minutes later midfielder Sam Reeves had a shot which went wide.

Then on six minutes a Lyme player was brought down in the Sandford box and a penalty was awarded to the visitors, from which they scored (0-1). 

The home side had made their now usual slow start and came to life with a shot from fullback Jack Perry and the other fullback Shaun Stapleton made a run down the right wing and shot wide. 

The game followed end-to-end with chances for both sides, then on 31 minutes a through ball found midfielder Steven Dymond who was clear but was ruled offside. 

Half-time arrived with the score 0-1 to Lyme Regis. 

The second half got underway and within five minutes Sandford drew level when they were awarded a penalty, which Sam Reeves slotted home (1-1). The home side had finally come to life and were creating more chances, and then on 58 minutes left winger, Tudor Morgan-Hugget made a run down the wing, cut inside, and a fierce right footed shot went into the Lyme goal (2-1). 

The home side then made two substitutions taking off Owen Gregory and replacing him with young Greg Mildon and Shaun Stapleton with new man James Stanbury. 

As the game drew to a close the “seasiders" pressed forward looking for the equaliser, then just before the final whistle young Greg Mildon was clearly pushed in the back, which the referee ignored, then the ball broke into the Sandford half where a "rash" tackle led to a free kick to the opposition. 

A flighted free kick was not cleared by the home defence and was slotted home to make the final score 2-2. 

Sandford just had time to kick-off before the final whistle. 

Another wasted three points, last week Sandford let a win slip away, now a week later the same result. 

On reflection Sandford should have beaten them away and at home. 

Never mind a point is better than nothing. 

On Saturday, October 21 the First team will be at home to Lapford for another local derby. 

The Seconds were away to Witheridge last Saturday (October 14)  and were beaten 5-3. 

The Seconds have no game this coming week.  

 A J H .