Alsager Town 2 Sandbach United 0

After getting their campaign of to the perfect start with a victory away at Wythenshawe Town and United would have been hoping to continue their good form as they made the short trip to Wood Park to face rivals Alsager Town.

Straight from the off Sandbach were on the back foot as Alsager came flying out of the blocks and after just eight minutes they had the first real opportunity as captain Kyle Hendley picked up the ball on the left side of the box before unleashing a shot but it flashed wide of the keepers far right post. Three minutes later the home side came close again as a long ball from the back line was met by Corey Knight who beat the keeper to the ball and then poked It past him, but thankfully for Sandbach Nick Marley was on hand to clear the ball off the line and keep the game goalless.

After failing to take two early chances Alsager were nearly made to pay in half way through the first half as an Allcock corner from the right was deep and towards for Knapper but he couldn’t stretch his neck high enough and ended up heading well over the bar. Sandbach looked dangerous when putting the ball into the box, another cross from the right, this time from Marley, was again deep and perfect for captain Chris Rowntree but he headed over from about six yards.

The first half was far from exciting, both sides has limited chances but no one could break the deadlock.

The second half took a while to get going as both sides were cautious and knew that any mistake could cost them. It wasn’t until the 65th that the crowd finally had something exciting to watch, a corner from the left was cleared as far as Aaron Knight who seemed to get the ball stuck under his feet, this allowed sub Morgan Palmeria to capitalise and fire into the top right corner from just inside the box. From Sandbach’s perspective it was a poor gaol to concede and one that could have easily been avoided.

After going a goal down Sandbach had a lot to do, Hockenhull had no choice but to mix things up a bit so be bought on both Lucas Baker and new signing Stuart Crilly, and Crilly was straight into the action a he drove down the left side and play through PJ Hudson who broke the offside trap and beat the on rushing keeper to the ball before poking it past him, however it was just the wrong side of the post, much to the despair of the Sandbach fans, who thought it was in.

Sandbach were throwing everything at Alsager to try and get the equaliser, however it did leave them short at the back and when Sandbach lost the ball in midfield Lee Hendley was then allowed to drive into the Sandbach box, turning Declan O’Riordan inside and out before blasting the ball acorss the keeper and into the bottom left corner, sparking scenes of jubilation in the Alsager dugout.

In all honesty it was a poor performance from Sandbach who struggled to keep the ball, however credit where credits due fair play to Alsager who were the better side on the night and deserved the win.