Sandbach United 1 Rylands 3

The game had a scrappy start, the high winds were making things hard for both sides and any long balls would be difficult to execute. Sandbach like to pass the ball around on the deck, so when they got into the grove of doing this they began to do this they dominated the game. They also had the first shot chance as Harry Cain picked up the ball on the edge of the box but his shot flew over the bar.

Rylands were second in the league and their class showed in the 22nd minute when they took the lead against the run of the play as Stephen Wolhulter got to the byline down the left side before crossing towards the back post for Jamie Daniels who got up highest and headed the ball into the net. Sandbach didn’t deserve to go a goal down, however they knew that if they continued to play the way they were chances would come.

After taking the lead the away side had gained the upper hand and they started to play the football that had got them to the top of the league. However, Sandbach equalised just before half time as a corner from the left taken by Jordan Davies was headed back across goal from the back post by Kris Stockton and it fell nicely to Chris Rowntree who fired the ball low, past the defenders on the line and into the backof the net. It was a rare goal for Rowntree whose performances usually go under the radar as he does the dirty work in midfield superbly and has become a fan favourite at the club.

As the first half ended it wasn’t a thriller, both sides had limited chances as each defensive unit looked solid. The away side started the second half on the front foot and they came close to taking the lead in the 46th minute as James Daniels’ scuffed shot from the left of the box fell nicely for Brad Williams who found himself unmarked in the six yard box, however his shot clipped the outside of the left post and went out for a goal kick. It was a let off for Sandbach who have been guilty of conceding some poor goals in recent weeks. Rylands were dominating the game and they took the lead on the hour make through an unstoppable strike from Bradley Williams. He picked up the ball on the right and cut in side before unleashing a shot that arrowed into the top left corner of the net leaving debutant Matt Green with no chance but to just stand there and watch the ball nestle in his net. It was a superb way to take the lead and nothing more than his side deserved as they had been levels above Sandbach in the second 45.

A goals behind against top of the league left Sandbach with a lot to do and their task got harder as ten minutes later the away side doubled their lead. Stephen Wolhulter was allowed to drive into the sandbach box from the left side before shooting towards the far right corner, the initial shot was well saved by Green but Warren Gerrard reacted fastest and tapped home the rebound from six yards out. Another sloppy goal conceded by sandbach who let Wolhulter run 30 yards towards goal without being closed down.

After Tuesdays thrashing at the hands of Congleton Town manager Andy Hockenhull would have been hoping for a much improved performance from his side, however it was more of the same for Sandbach as their second half performance was very poor. After only mustering two shots on goal all game they would have been pleased to hear the final whistle. As the referee concluded the game the away side were celebrating like they’d won the league as they know that Sandbach is such a difficult place to win at and full credit to them as they killed off United with a very good second half performance.