Phoenix United 0 - Sandford 3

LAST Saturday Sandford AFC played their 5th league game of the season when they travelled to Uplowman to face Phoenix United.

After a 6-0 home win the week before the "ford" were looking to further improve their position in the league table.

On a bright but very windy afternoon the away side were without their four goal hero from the previous week Matt Baker who was nursing a couple of broken ribs.

The home side kicked off playing down the slope against a very strong gusty wind and after five minutes one of their attacks resulted in the ball just going wide of the Sandford goal.

The "ford" took time to settle and after 14 minutes midfielder Sam Reeves shot wide of the home goal.

After successive corners, which came to nothing, a break down the left hand wing led to James Durand scoring in the 29th minute, 0-1.

Then, on 31 minutes, a looping cross from centre back Shaun Stapleton lead to Durand having his shot saved by the keeper.

Minutes later another Sandford attack lead to a corner from which Shaun Stapleton made it 0-2.

Halftime arrived, the score staying the same.

Sandford kicked off the second half playing down the slope and the home side had the advantage of the wind.

Luckily for the "ford" they had Shaun Hawkins in goal and his dead ball and kicks from the hand proved a good match for stormy conditions.

The away side had several chances to increase their lead but poor finishing.

The pitch was not like the billiard table at the George V Playing Fields, the grass was three inches long if not more.

On the 62nd minute Phoenix were awarded a penalty which was brilliantly saved by keeper Hawkins.

Subs were made and Sandford kept looking for another goal but they had to wait until the 82nd minute when one of their substitutes Joe Thorne made it 0-3 to Sandford and that was the final score.

Special mention to our man of the match Roger Hill who had an excellent game in defence. All round a brilliant performance from all the players and another well deserved three points.

The win places Sandford third in the league.

Next Saturday is Cup Day at the George V Playing Fields when Sandford entertain Broadhempston from South Devon in the Devon Intermediate Cup, KO 2pm.

Come along and support your local team.

AJH