SATURDAY, March 29 saw Sandford 1st team travel to Countess Wear, Exeter to play Beacon Knights in a Division Six league game.

Lying third in the league the Knights were strong opposition for the “ford".

With a makeshift team through injuries and unavailability Sandford were forced to call on the services of Shaun Hawkins who had just come straight from cricket practice, Abe Dellamuro made up the subs bench only in an injured capacity.

Beacon kicked off and Sandford playing up the slope with the wind at their backs went on early attacks.

Hawkins playing at centre forward added some brilliant ball control and skill, and went close on three minutes which the keeper saved.

From a corner, after five minutes, Hawkins again got the ball and this time headed wide.

Captain Sam Reeves had a shot saved after nine minutes.

At the other end keeper Charles Headley was on top form making two brilliant saves from on rushing Beacon forwards.

The "ford" weren't getting any luck in attack and Hawkins again shot wide on 25 minutes.

On 37 minutes a piece of sheer magic from Hawkins saw him swivel and hit a volley which just cleared the angle of crossbar and upright. Halftime 0-0.

The second half saw Beacon Knights kick off and within a minute were 1-0 up.

Sandford kept running and had chances but playing against the wind was proving hard.

After 58 minutes Hawkins was brought down just outside the box but the free kick came to nothing, then on 65 minutes the Knights went 2-0 in front.

Tom Cornwall playing midfield for "ford" then had a shot go over the bar.

On 70 minutes another shot from Hawkins on the turn flashed wide, the "ford” were getting no luck with their shots either blocked or going wide.

On 86 minutes the Knights increased their lead to 3-0.

With 10 minutes left two substitutes were made for Sandford which were the managers.

At the final whistle the score was 3-0 to the Knights. A very enjoyable game to watch even though we lost.

Every Sandford player must be congratulated on their efforts, with such a small squad they all played well.

This Saturday Sandford Firsts play Bampton at the George V Playing Fields, Sandford, KO 3pm.

AJH