Match Report - LWC Drinks Cup 1st Round

Having faced Oswestry last month Sandbach knew what they were in for having run out winners in the league fixture they knew that Oswestry had one or two talented players that would cause trouble down the flanks, and Sandbach had to consider upcoming games and squad rotation.

The game got underway and Sandbach took the game straight to Oswestry with some early chances. The game played at a fast pace down the wings for both teams in cold conditions. With about 65% of possession in the first 30 minutes Sandbach looked in control and after Tully miss-hit the ball it found its way out wide to Ali Chapman who slotted the ball to the right of a diving keeper to make it 1-0 on 35 mins. It was a short lived lead though as Oswestry gave it there all and were blessed with an equaliser on (38 mins) from Farleigh with a goal which took a wicked deflection to leave Mossy stranded.

Sandbach reacted well and kept their heads up resulting in a goal on (45mins+2) after Ryan Brooke put a well taken header into the net to make it 2-1 at HT.

The 2nd half was a somewhat different game with Sandbach looking to capitalise after a stagnant first 15 minutes, and three inspired quick substitutions saw the game change dramatically. Kieran Knapper with a turn change of foot smashed the ball home (unstoppable) on (65 minutes) then Matty Pearson with another well struck ball to make it 4-1, then the flood gates opened and Jordan Davies hit a sweet free kick to make it 5-1 on (87 minutes). But Pearson not to be outdone, deftly loitered up front and found himself with a brace on 90 minutes. Had it not been for an under hit cross on (90 mins+3) he could have had a hat trick on the night.

Sandbach having been runners up in the cup last year have set out an early stall to compete again this season and face a home tie against Eccleshall in round 2 on Novemeber the 1st.

MOM award from the opposition went to Ryan Brooke.