ON Saturday, February 18, Sandford First Eleven played host to Colyton from East Devon in the premier league.

Unfortunately it is proving to be a most trying season for the lads with a much higher standard of football plus not being able to field a full side due to injuries and illness but seeing we are only a village side the lads won't give up.

Again, as in previous games, Sandford started brightly and after five minutes Dean Pidgeon shot wide.

As Colyton came more into the game their speedy right-winger cut the ball inside for a teammate to fire in their first goal.

Sandford fought on bravely but with the away side being faster and more skilful it wasn't long before they went 2-0 up.

Within 23 minutes the score increased to 3-0.

As the game got towards half-time Sandford managed to hang on, not conceding any more goals, in fact a rare attack saw Dean Pidgeon brought down in the box and Sam Reeve dispatched the penalty into the corner of the Colyton net, 1-3 at half-time.

After the break Sandford scored, only for it to be ruled offside.

Then, on 68 minutes, Colyton scored through a header from a corner, 1-4.

With the home side visibly tiring Colyton again scored after 76 minutes to make it 1-5.

With eight minutes left they scored again to make the final score Sandford 1, Colyton 6.

It's going to be a hard season to learn from but I'm sure they will and they must keep the faith in the "ford ".

The Second Eleven travelled to Witheridge but again lost out, 3-1.

On Saturday the First team are away to Crediton Seconds.

The Second team are away to Dolton and both games KO at 3pm. 

I know it's hard but keep trying lads.

A J H