Sandbach United 1 Crewe Alex XI 0

As the season draws closer, Manager Andy Hockenhull continues to experiment with his squad as he tried to find the best team and tactics for next season.

On the 17th minute Knight was involved in the action as he floated in a deep cross to Mike Blundell whose header from the back post was straight at the goalkeeper. Billy Buckley’s set pieces have looked deadly in all the pre season games that he’s played in. Although this time he tried something different as he went short to James Kirby who then played it back to Buckley who shot with his wand of a left foot. His shot from the right side of the box was straight at Booth in the Crewe goal, although he fumbled it to the feet of Knapper who shot at Booth who was able to recover quickly to prevent Sandbach taking the lead 10 minutes before half time.

Crewe had struggled to get into the game and they had half a chance with seven minutes of the first half left when their two strikers linked up allowing number 10 to shoot from the edge of the box. It was straightforward for Moss who easily palmed the ball over the bar and out for a corner.

At half time Sandbach looked good but they will be disappointed that they hadn’t taken the lead.

In the second half Hockenhull made 8 changes to the team that played the first half. They got off to the bet possible start as good pressure from half time substitute Derryn Ofori made the Crewe left back go back to keeper Sam Booth, who got the ball stuck under his feet, allowing Ofori to dispossess and then place the ball home from the angle. It was the best possible start from Sandbach and Ofori had made an impact with pretty much his first touch like he did on Tuesday against Nantwich Town.

The Crewe side was managed by former Alex man Lee Bell who made plenty of changes as he looked to go more attacking and the grab a goal before the end of the game. On 71 minutes his side had a golden chance as a long ball over the top found number 18 who played the ball in behind the defence to number 9 who was then in on goal, as the keeper came rushing off his line the Crewe striker seemed to panic and then strike his shot straight at the Sandbach keeper who saved with his legs. That was the last real chance of the game as tiredness began to show and the game fizzled out and then ended 1-0 to United.

Despite the total of 10 changes that Hockenhull made throughout the game his side still had enough to beat the young Crewe side who looked very organised and disciplined. It was a game that both teams will massively benefit from as they both look to gain promotion from their respective leagues.