Sandbach United 0-2 Stockport Town Match Report

The Ramblers lose their first home game of the season as Stockport Town F.C defeated Sandbach 2-0 at Hind Heath Road.

Written by Daniel Needham.

Following Sandbach’s 1-0 loss against Barnton, the Ramblers required an immediate comeback in the second match of the season against Stockport Town. However, the Lions were heading to Sandbach with good form, after previously beating New Mills 4-1.

Jordan Stafford captained the hosts on Tuesday night, along with first team regulars, Stan Tatters and Robbie Hatton. Additionally, Declan Swan listed several unfamiliar faces in his starting eleven, such as goalkeeper Dimeji Willan, Thomas Morris and Oliver McDonough.

Bach started the game excellently, with a clear improvement from previous performances. The hosts were controlling the pace of the game with dominant possession and were having multiple chances on goal with opportunities from Kieran Alley and Oliver McDonough.

Despite the huge influence Sandbach had in the preliminary stages of the game, the visitors snatched a goal in the 14th minute. A rapid counter-attacking move led to a low driven cross into the box, which found striker, Kyle Foley. Foley planted the ball into the bottom left corner from close range to put the Greater Manchester side ahead.

In the 25th minute, Jordan Stafford was sent off after a series of events which included dissent toward the referee.

With ten men on the pitch, Sandbach remained volatile and managed to keep the scoreline at 1-0 by the end of the first half, whilst also having some chances on goal through Joshua Klein-Davies.

Only three minutes into the second half, Stockport Town F.C came close to increasing their 1-0 advantage with a forceful strike which rattled the crossbar to deny the Lions a second goal.

However, Stockport got their second goal in the 53rd minute of the match. Fast paced passing on the wing resulted in a great ball into the box which met Daniel McLaughlin, who did not fail to score in front of goal from close range.

After the second goal, the Ramblers looked deflated, and struggled to get back into the game. The visitors continued to have chances and were unlucky to not extend their lead.

The full-time whistle blew after half an hour of Sandbach attempting to get back into the game. The difference of having an extra player on the field was evident, and the Lions remained on top of the game after taking their lead. Their ability to accelerate up the pitch as a unit caused Bach problems defensively, and the defence were not able to tolerate the high pressure from Stockport.

Sandbach now look to pick up some points to boost themselves up the league table at Ashville on Saturday at 3PM.