Ben Greenop’s second half double secures home victory against Foley Meir.

Sandbach United picked up three points in a comfortable clean sheet at Hind

Heath Road.

Written by Daniel Needham.

Sandbach’s current form has been unmatched, with 11 wins in the last 12 games,

including receiving the NWCFL Team of the Month. The Ramblers’ last result ended

in a 3-1 away win against mid-table side New Mills.

13 th placed Foley Meir took the journey to Sandbach as the Staffordshire side were

looking to put a dent in Bach’s form record.

Recent award winners, Ryan Goodwin and goalkeeper, Andrew Jones both started

in the fixture for Sandbach United. The squad were eager for three points, to get a

step closer to promotion this season.

At the start of the first half, Kieran Alley had multiple early chances by driving with

the ball at Foley Meir’s full backs. One of Alley’s opportunities included a high,

looping cross which nearly landed in the back of the net, yet it drifted over the

crossbar.

The hosts were offensive from kick-off, looking to take an early lead in the game.

In the 20th minute, Joe Bevans blocked shot fell to Greenop, as Greenop’s strike,

which went wide, almost took the lead for Sandbach.

Foley Meir struggled to create any clear-cut chances, as they failed to take control of

the play. However, Lucas Bakers’ audacious effort grazed the woodwork from a set

piece, before being cleared by the Sandbach defence.

Moments before half-time, Bevan’s low drilled effort was denied by Foley Meir

goalkeeper, Andrew Walklate.

At the start of the second half, Foley Meir’s Harry Livingstone was booked for a bear-

hug on Joe Bevan during a counter-attacking opportunity which looked promising for

the Ramblers.

In the 59th minute, Ryan Goodwin made a crucial tackle inside of the box, which

sparked penalty shouts from the away side.

This was a wakeup call for Sandbach, as just two minutes later, Ben Greenop

opened the scoring. He took the lead after a Joe Bevan intercepted shot which fell to

his feet, and Greenop did not fail to convert from close range.

In the 71st minute, Greenop scored his second goal of the match. Kieran Alley

squared the ball to Greenop, who smashed it into the back of the net against an out

of position goalkeeper.

Foley Meir struggled to get into the game at any point during the second half and

looked very unlikely to score in the final 20 minutes, with low ball retention and no

chances in front of goal.

Sandbach United held on until the final whistle in a very professional, serene

performance as they move closer toward the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Bach are next up against Cheadle Heath Nomads next Saturday away from

home. A vital fixture for both sides who are fighting for promotion this season.