ON Saturday, March 7, Sandford hosted North Tawton in a top of Division Six match at the George V Playing Field.

The away side are the runaway leaders of the league having played 14 matches and only lost one, so this was always going to be a tough game for the home side lying in third position.

North Tawton kicked off and created the first chance of the game after the first minute.

Sandford’s first chance fell to Matt Baker after three minutes but the score stayed at 0-0.

With the game being played at a fast pace "ford's" Shaun Stapleton twice went down injured but got up to battle on.

After 15 minutes Sandford had a free kick outside the box which Sam Reeves took, shooting straight at the keeper.

Then, on 18 minutes, the deadlock was broken when Matt Baker scored.

Sandford were creating chances but didn't convert them, they really needed more goals before the break, but halftime arrived with the score 1-0.

Sandford kicked off the second half and after two minutes skipper Sam Reeves shot just wide, another chance went missing.

More chances came Sandford’s way but they couldn't finish them off, then a break by the away side through the middle left a one-on-one situation with centre back Noah Addis brilliantly stopping the away player from getting in on goal.

On the 70th minute North Tawton drew level with a well taken goal, 1-1.

Two minutes later a reckless challenge by a "ford" defender lead to a penalty from which the away side scored, 1-2.

North Tawton took control of the game and on 79th minute increased their lead, 1-3.

It could have been a different game if Sandford had taken their chances. The league leaders won 1-3.

Next Saturday Sandford are home to Westexe Park Rangers, KO 3pm.

AJH