PHOENIX UNITED 4-1 SANDFORD FC

AT last, after all the bad weather, Sandford FC were able to play a game of football at the George playing field in a division six match against a Phoenix team from Sampford Peverell.

After returning from the hard-fought cup quarter final last week, the ‘ford made a few changes to the team.

Top-scorer Matt Baker was missing, and Ryan Trump was also not available.

Phoenix kicked off playing towards the village, and Sandford soon started to go on the attack.

After two minutes, right winger Tudor Morgan Hugget shot wide from a corner and, three minutes later, midfielder Shaun Stapleton blasted a shot wide.

Then, on nine minutes Jayden Freind had a shot cannon off the bar.

All these chances going begging, I was beginning to wonder if we would ever score.

Two more chances were missed before Tudor finally scored in the 21st minute, making the score 1-0 to the ‘ford.

More chances went begging and Phoenix started to come more into the game.

Then, just before half-time, the inevitable happened after all the pressure and Phoenix scored.

At half-time, the score stood at 1-1.

The game was beginning to go more in Phoenix’s favour. The second half saw Sandford kick off and on 51 minutes skipper Sam Reeves hit a shot against the bar.

A minute later, the referee awarded a penalty to Phoenix, from which they scored. The score was now 1-2.

The Sandford side were beginning to crumble under pressure from the Phoenix, and with tackles being missed and passes going astray, it was looking bad.

In the next five to 10 minutes, the ‘ford gave Phoenix two more goals. The final score was 1-4 to Phoenix.

Next Saturday, Sandford are home to league-leaders North Tawton (kickoff 3pm).

AJH