MATCH day eight of Sandford Football Club’s 2025/2026 season saw the first return fixture of the season when Awliscombe traveled from the other side of Honiton for their first visit to the George V Playing Field.

On a sunny afternoon Sandford kicked off and soon went on the attack, forcing a corner, but the resulting corner was cleared.

More pressure came and, on 10 minutes, a cross field ball from Matt Baker found Luke Cassar on the right wing who volleyed the ball into the net, 1-0.

More chances went begging, Sam Reeves shooting over twice and Jayden Friend shooting wide then, on 18 minutes, the away side scored making the score 1-1.

Alwiscombe were coming more into the game and, on 24 minutes, one of their attacks finished with the ball hitting the side netting.

The game flowed end to end up to halftime but the score stayed at 1-1.

Just after the break Luke Cassar increased Sandford’s lead as the home side regained the momentum but Awliscombe looked dangerous on the break, 2-1.

Later, in the 59th minute, a foul in the Awliscombe box lead to Sam Reeves scoring from the penalty spot, 3-1 to Sandford.

The home side’s keeper Shaun Hawkins had to make a couple of fingertip saves to keep the visitors at bay.

As the match came to an end, Zak Fee making a late substitution, made the score 4-1 to Sandford.

A better performance this week after last week's dismal showing meant Sandford are back in the promotion race.

Next Saturday the "ford" are away to Witheridge with kick-off at 2.15pm. Good luck boys.

AJH