SANDFORD FC First team travelled to Manstone recreation ground in Sidmouth on Saturday, September 30 to play Sidmouth Seconds in a Premier League match. 

On a lovely, fresh cut ground the away side kicked off and went on the attack producing a goal chance and a corner in the first two minutes. 

Nine minutes later Sidmouth broke down the left wing and crossed the ball, only for Sandford centre-back, Lewis Cook to put the ball into his own net. Making the score 1-0 to Sidmouth. 

The home side were coming into the game taking charge of midfield, then on 36 minutes Owen Gregory shot to level the score at 1-1. 

The rest of the half was even with chances at both ends.

The score was 1-1 at half-time with the referee having to have words with both dugouts. 

The second half started with Sidmouth pressing more and more.

Sandford weren't looking like the side that beat Crediton earlier in the season, their passing was getting worse and worse, leading to pressure on the defence. 

After 58 minutes a mistake in the goal area led to the home side’s second goal, 2-1 to Sidmouth. 

Then 65 minutes in, a penalty was awarded to Sidmouth for a stupid challenge in the back, making the score 3-1 to the home side. 

Sandford had a few more chances towards the end of the game but nothing came of them.  

The final score was 3-1 to Sidmouth, who thoroughly deserved the win. 

Sandford’s next game is away to Exeter University on Saturday, October 7, so they need to improve drastically.  

A J H