SANDFORD 1 - UPOTTERY 3
SATURDAY, April 13, saw Sandford First Team make their final long journey of this year's campaign when they travelled up the A303 to Upottery to play their away fixture.
On a bright sunny afternoon, Sandford kicked off on a rather softish pitch.
The away side included returning right winger Chris Hawkins who had returned to the "ford" after a few months away.
From the off Sandford looked bright and after one-and-a-half minutes forced the first corner.
Three minutes later Chris Hawkins had a shot wide of the home goal.
After a spell of Upottery pressure, centre-back Tyler Morgan Hugget put a superb cross field ball to his brother Tudor to run on to, who just missed.
On 17 minutes, Upottery had a corner, which was well saved by Jed Mussel in the Sandford goal.
Another player making a welcome return to the "ford" was Roger James at right full-back.
Upottery were now coming more into the game and had a shot over the bar and another one that hit the bar.
On 30 minutes, Hawkes had another shot saved.
Then, on 31 minutes, Tudor Morgan Hugget side-footed a shot over the bar.
On 33 minutes, brother Tyler went down clutching his head after a collision.
This made the away defence shaky and, on the 39th minute, the Upottery left-winger cut inside and a pass led to a ferocious shot hitting the back of the Sandford net, 1-0 at half-time.
The second half started with Upottery kicking off and after a brief exchange Sandford forced a corner from which Steven Dymond forced the ball over the line to make it 1-1.
The away side were creating several chances but not converting them.
Greg Mildon, playing at centre forward, was having a great game playing against a player taller, heavier, and older than him.
After more Upottery pressure they finally went ahead in 73 minutes, 2-1.
Before Sandford could regroup across the field the ball found the Upottery left-winger who cut inside and, as a result, another player scored, 3-1.
The away side were visibly tiring and were glad to hear the final whistle. The result was a 3-1 win to the home side.
The First Team's next match is at home on Wednesday night, April 17, at 6.30pm against Lapford.
This Saturday the First Team are away to Lapford, kick-off at 3pm.
The Second Team welcomed Otterton to the George V Playing Field but lost 1-4.
Their next match is on Monday night away to Railway, kick-off at 6.30pm.
On April 20, the Second Team play Ex Royals away, kick-off at 3pm.
A J H