Sandbach 2-1 Eccleshall Match Report

Liam Fitzpatrick scores twice in 2-1 home win against Eccleshall.

The Ramblers have won their last three out of four games after beating Staffordshire side, Eccleshall FC.

Written by Daniel Needham.

Sandbach were looking to continue their current run of good form against Eccleshall, after previously beating New Mills by three goals and a 2-1 away win at Winsford United.

Manager, Declan Swan stated, “Today we look to get another win to make it a back-to-back league win and back-to-back home win, could this trigger the start of a winning run that we desperately seek?”

Young goalkeeper Sebastian Jensen started between the sticks for the Ramblers, and attacking midfielder Robbie Hatton was selected as the captain for the hosts at Hind Heath Road.

Sandbach influenced the game in the opening ten minutes, with good build-up play and a series of corners. Eccleshall were struggling to get into the game, with poor ball recovery time which led to a large sum of possession for Sandbach.

In the 32nd minute, Eccleshall took the lead. Tom Morris failed to clear the ball away from the penalty area, which resulted in a cross into the box which met Liam Hallam who headed it home for the visitors. The close-range shot put Eccleshall ahead in the first half.

Only 5 minutes later, Bach almost responded with a goal of their own. Liam Fitzpatrick ran with the ball rapidly down the wing before releasing the ball to George Kattah. Only five yards away from the goal, Kattah’s shot smashed the post to deny Sandbach an equalising goal.

Despite many chances before the half-time whistle, the hosts were unable to score in the first half.

Just six minutes into the second half, Sandbach equalised. The ball fell to Liam Fitzpatrick on the edge of the box, his shot smashed the crossbar before fortunately bouncing over the line to make the scoreline 1-1.

Both sides were pushing for a deciding goal to put them in front, with several chances and opportunities coming from each team.

Liam Fitzpatrick scored again for the hosts in the 67th minute with a spectacular weak-foot volley from long range. The forceful strike found its way into the bottom left corner, beating the Eccleshall goalkeeper, who was too slow to react.

Kieran Alley was playing excellently on the wing, with his incredible change of pace and acceleration, he was able to get in behind the Eccleshall defence and create chances to try and increase Bach’s lead.

The Ramblers were able to hold on to their 2-1 win until the final whistle, despite some penalty shouts for the visitors towards the end of the match. Sandbach played more attacking and clinical in the final third than usual, though also remained solid at the back.

Sandbach make the trip to Droylsden next Saturday at 3PM where they attempt to resume their admirable winning streak.