Sandbach United 1-4 Abbey Hey FC Match Report

A remarkable display from Abbey Hey saw Sandbach United lose 4-1 at Hind Heath Road.

Written by Daniel Needham.

The Ramblers were looking to improve their seemingly poor start after only winning one of five matches this season, whilst high-flying Abbey Hey had won four of their matches previously. However, an unexpected 5-0 loss for the Greater Manchester side restored some faith for Bach, going into the weekend fixture.

Manager, Declan Swan, stated that Abbey Hey “are widely tipped by many to be a real title challenging side this year, after investment and good recruiting in pre-season.”

Sandbach listed a strong starting eleven, including recent signings George Kattah and Venancio Monteiro. Additionally, goalkeeper, Dimeji Willan was dropped for 17-year-old Sebastian Jensen.

With six injured players out of the team for Bach, Swan said that it is “something we can certainly do without.”

Within the opening ten minutes of the game, Sandbach looked strong, with a high percentage of possession. Despite this, Abbey Hey still looked dangerous going forward with rapid counter-attacking opportunities.

Abbey Hey took the lead in the 12th minute of the game. A poor defensive mistake from Sandbach allowed Jake Parker to simply slot the ball past Jensen.

Sandbach responded with a goal of their own just 10 minutes later. A clever flick on from George Kattah looped into the penalty area, as Stan Tatters found himself in the right position at the right time to equalise for the hosts.

Throughout the first half, George Kattah was causing problems for Abbey Hey, with his ability to out-pace defenders and determination to chase down every single loose ball.

Neither team managed to take the lead before the half-time whistle, despite multiple chances from both sides.

Sandbach conceded just two minutes into the second half from a set piece. A quickly taken corner fell to Frazer on the edge of the box, whose shot rifled past a crowded penalty area, into the bottom right corner.

In the 52nd minute, the visitors extended their lead. Leighton Egan’s optimistic, yet admirable, 30-yard strike lifted into top left corner, which left Jensen static as Abbey Hey went 3-1 up.

Abbey Hey scored their fourth and final goal in the 87th minute from a free kick rebound. A low driven free kick rolled underneath the Sandbach United wall to Jensen, who couldn’t manage to hold onto the ball as substitute, Ben McNamara pounced, and increased Abbey Heys advantage.

The full-time whistle blew, and the result ended 4-1 to the away team at Hind Heath Road. Although Sandbach played well in the first half, including a goal from Tatters, they broke down in the second half after two quick consecutive goals from their opponents. Abbey Hey remained dominant and consistent in the second half, with three goals, and not allowing the Ramblers to get back into the game.

Following a disappointing result against Abbey Hey FC, Sandbach look to regain some good form as they face Stafford Town on Tuesday, away from home.