SATURDAY, November 12 saw Sandford First team welcome University Seconds to King George V playing fields for their premier league fixture.

Before the match kicked off both teams observed a minutes silence in respect for the dead of all wars.

When the match started it was plain to see that the University side were very fit and skilful and were going to cause the home side a lot of problems and within two minutes the away side scored their first goal.

After four minutes Sandford had a free kick just outside the penalty area, but the shot was saved. Then two minutes later University broke away towards the home goal and scored their second of the afternoon.

The away side were beginning to take control and only a brilliant double save by the Sandford keeper Matthew Parsell stopped them going further ahead.

Then on the 12th minute Sandford managed an attack on the University goal from which right winger Chris Hawkins scored.

It was 1-2 to the away side and Crediton were back in touch.

On the 20th minute Sandford had another free kick outside the box, but the shot went past the post.

On 32 minutes a free kick to the away side saw them score their third goal.

The away side were on top now having a lot of the play and on 36 minutes made it 1-4.

It was almost half-time when the home keeper made another save tipping the ball over the bar.

The start of the second half saw more of the same with Sandford struggling to contain their opponents and within a few minutes they had scored again making it 1-5 .

More pressure built up on the home defence and only some brave defending ended with a University shot just skimming the home crossbar.

On 70 and 72 mins the away side added two more goals making it 1-7.

It was all University now with Sandford under sustained attack the boys from Exeter were fitter, faster and their passing was a joy to watch.

Two more goals went in the Sandford net before the final whistle Sandford had suffered a heavy defeat 1-9 but they never gave up trying and this is probably the best footballing side we have met so far including teams at top of the league.

That result puts the First team in 10th position in the league.

The next game is away to Lyme Regis on Saturday, November 19 with kick off at 2.15pm.

The Second XI had another great result beating Beacon Knights 0-4 away from home putting them into fifth position in Division Six. On Saturday, November 19 they are home to Upottery Seconds with a 2.15 pm kick-off.

A J H