After winning the NWCFL January Club of the Month award, Sandbach were motivated to continue their admirable seven game unbeaten streak against 10th placed Abbey Hulton. The Ramblers were confident going into the fixture, with their impressively good form and 80% home win rate.

However, manager Declan Swan said, “It is imperative for the team that we get the home support fired up as the season draws to a close.”

Swan added that Bach must “secure that play-off place”, which they aspire towards.

New signing Jordao da Costa started on the bench for the hosts, with players such as Harry Cain and Kieran Alley included in the starting line-up.

Sandbach dominated for the first 15 minutes of the game, by attacking positively and creating chances. The hosts were maintaining comfortable possession in their pursuit of an early lead.

Bach winger Kieran Alley stood out in the opening 20 minutes, with his blistering pace allowing him to get behind the Abbey Hulton defence, while creating opportunities for the hosts to score.

However, the visitors surprisingly took the lead. Abbey Hulton forward Eric Graves took advantage of a poor defensive mistake by Sandbach, and was gifted a simple shot into the back of the net, to put the Abbey in front.
In the 37th minute, Sandbach equalised with a goal from Kieran Alley. A solid 50/50 challenge from forward Joshua Oultram gained the Ramblers possession in a dangerous area. Oultram laid off the ball to Kieran Alley on the wing, who stayed calm and composed in front of goal to bring the game back to even levels.

Despite Bach’s best efforts, Abbey Hulton responded with a goal of their own, only seven minutes later. Miscommunication between the Sandbach defence led to the visitors taking the lead for the second time, just two minutes before the break.

Shortly after the restart, Declan Swan brought on new signing Jordao da Costa in Sandbach’s attempt to equalise.

Although, in the 66th minute, Abbey Hulton extended their lead. A through ball soared past the vulnerable Sandbach back line and found Abbey Hulton forward, Lee Cropper, who took the ball around Eric Merner to make it 3-1 to the Staffordshire side.

15 minutes before full time, Abbey Hulton increased their advantage. The hosts were caught on a counterattack after losing possession, and they failed to get back in defence quickly enough. An Abbey Hulton winger was found open, and his low-driven shot glided past an out-of-position Eric Merner.

Although the Ramblers equalised in the first half after conceding their first goal, Sandbach struggled to get back into the game in the second half. Abbey Hulton remained resilient and prevented any possible way for their opponents to get back into the game.
Sandbach look to get back to winning ways against New Mills next Saturday at Hind Heath Road.