SANDFORD AFC 1-5 UNIVERSITY OF EXETER 8TH

LAST Saturday was match day five of Sandford’s 26/27 season and with the home side unbeaten in the league they welcomed an Exeter University team to George V playing field.

Always a difficult fixture never knowing what strength the uni side will be.

The visitors kicked off and soon settled into their rhythm passing the ball around the whole field.

Sandford came fighting back and on seven minutes from a corner they first hit the post from which they next hit the crossbar and finally the ball went over the crossbar.

On 13 minutes left winger James Durand injured his ankle and had to be substituted with Lewis Mooney coming on to take his place.

Four minutes later a long ball over the heads of the home defence allowed a uni player to run through and score. 0-1.

Sandford fought back but with no luck and on 25 minutes another mistake in defence allowed uni to score again making it 0-2.

One minute later a Sandford attack saw Jayden John Mark shoot wide of the post. Sandford were struggling with the pace of the uni boys and on 27 minutes the University side made it 0-3.

The home side were creating chances but none of them hit the back of the net.

On 36 minutes defender Ro Ger James injured his leg and Shaun Stapleton came on as his replacement.

Halftime arrived with the score at 0-3. Second half started with Sandford playing towards the pavilion and were beginning to hold their own and on the 52nd minute they were awarded a penalty as a ‘ford player was pulled back by his shirt.

Skipper Sam Reeves placed the ball on the spot and sent the keeper the wrong way. 1-3.

Both teams were now trading chances at either end and on 61 minutes Shaun Stapleton crossed for Lewis Mooney to shoot wide.

Luck wasn't on Sandford’s side, more subs made with Reece Kelly replacing Tudor Morgan Hugget on the right wing.

On 68 minutes the Exeter side scored again to make it 1-4.

Later on in a uni attack one of their forward players was in a collision with Sandford keeper Headley both were ok after treatment.

With Sandford players tiring after a lot of chasing uni made it 1-5.

In the dying minutes a ‘ford attacker missed and open goal by heading a cross over the bar. Final whistle saw Sandford on the end of a 1-5 defeat.

Next Saturday Sandford are away to Awliscombe kickoff 3pm.

AJH