DURING the closed season, numerous Sandford players decided to move on to other clubs, leaving "ford" as a village team unable to field two teams.

With one side only, the league, in its wisdom, placed the "ford" in Division Six.

After all the good work by retiring manager Ben Waller and previous players they have penalised the club for years of hard work.

On Saturday, August 31, our only team took to the field under the guidance of new manager Brad Elliott and Dale Fowler to face Alphington Thirrds in the first league match of the season.

With several new players, and ones that hadn't played together before, the first half was an end to end affair with "ford" having numerous chances but unable to convert them.

With the half coming to a close an Alphington attack down the right lead to a cross which was converted past Sandford keeper Headley.

Seconds later the whistle blew for half time.

The second half started with both teams going forward and, on 49th minute, Sandford missed a golden chance to equalise.

On the 59th minute Lewis Cook came on to replace new man Dylan Spurway in defence.

Then, on 67 minutes, another new player to the "ford" committed a second dangerous foul on the Alphington "keeper”, which lead to a red card.

With the home side reduced to 10 they fought a courageous battle but couldn't stop the visitors taking all three points, 0-1 the final score. 

Next Saturday the "ford" are away to City Raiders in Exeter. 

A J H