26/08/2026
Tuesdays round up!
It was Newchurch away as a big squad headed to Watery Lane as we get closer to the start of the season.
Sandown should’ve been in front in the first minute as Temi forced a good save.
3 minutes in and great work from Floydy saw him beat his man and deliver a cross that was headed against the bar by Finn.
Sandown were comfortable and dominating on probably the nicest surface we’ve seen this summer (because of the weather that’s not a dig at anyone!) and again should’ve been in front on 13 minutes as Temi was played through but the front man couldn’t find the finish.
On 16 minutes it was Smarty’s turn to go through but he also fluffed his lines.
On 21 minutes Wilf fired wide before a minute later Finn burst through and this time was denied by the post in what was becoming a frustrating half for Sandown.
With the dominance continuing Sandown found the breakthrough on 28 minutes and it was 3rd time lucky for Finn who beat the offside trap before baring down on goal and finishing neatly.
The breakthrough was a relief and it was a comfortable last 15 minutes of the half with neither side creating much but seeing Sandown go in ahead.
HT 0-1
Both teams made multiple changes at half time that also saw Sandown play a Trialist up front.
In the 56th minute Newchurch were awarded a free kick on half way, they loaded the box and the ball was overhit past everyone but somehow dropped under the crossbar and in to bring them level completely against the run of play.
On the hour mark Newchurch took the lead, a corner routine powered home at the back post to leave Sandown shellshocked.
Sandown settled and refound their rhythm, Floydy firing narrowly over from outside the box after 62 minutes.
A minute later saw Josh Brookes win the ball high up the pitch, beat his man before being scythed down, causing the only heated moment of the match.
From the free kick Sandown were level, a great set piece headed home by Phil.
Sonny was getting joy linking with Phil down the right and found himself in a shooting position but the angle for the better of him as he fired wide.
5 minutes later and Sonny again burst down the right side beating two men before being tumbled to the floor inside the box leaving the referee with no option but to point to the spot. Despite the away end screaming for the trialist to take the Pen, Sonny stepped up and slotted home to give Sandown a deserved lead.
3 minutes later and the fans got what they wanted as a ball over the top was controlled neatly by the Trialist who finished with aplomb to seal the game for Sandown.
On 85 minutes a ball was delivered deep and looked to be floating out for a goal kick but Floydy didn’t give it up and lept to win a header on the byline, a header that flashed across the goal and left the Trialist to get his second of the game!
The last 5 minutes were comfortable for Sandown as in the end they ran out comfortable winners!
A huge thank you to Newchurch for hosting us in what was a good competitive game played in the right spirit, we wish them well for the 26/27 campaign. We now turn to Saturday for the last pre-season games of the summer as the first team play ECS and the Reserves play W&B. Both games at home at 14:00. Please get down and support the lads if you can! UTS&L💛🖤
