Sandbach United 3-2 Market Drayton Match Report

Late winner from Kieran Alley seals another victory for Sandbach United.

Sandbach United continue their winning streak after beating Market Drayton 3-2 at Hind Heath Road.

Written by Daniel Needham.

In Sandbach’s 15th league game of the season, they were hoping to resume their impressive form, after winning their previous four games. With only four points separating the two sides, both teams knew that it would be a closely contested match.

Jordan Stafford led the team as captain in the fixture against Market Drayton Town, with fellow teammate Callum Chapman at full-back, after he scored the game-winning penalty against Alsager in the cup on Tuesday.

The opening five minutes gave the fans a preview of what the rest of the match would bring, with several clear-cut chances and opportunities for both sides with high-tempo play.

George Kattah held up play brilliantly before releasing the ball to Stan Tatters on the edge of the box. Tatters’ energetic strike was saved by Market Drayton’s goalkeeper, Joshua Hyde, to deny Sandbach an early lead.

However, it didn’t take long for the hosts to take one of their chances, as Kieran O’Connell opened the scoring in the 9th minute. O’Connell reacted well to a loose ball in the middle of the box, following a saved shot from Kattah. His close-range attempt put Bach 1-0 up.

Sandbach didn’t score again until the 44th minute. A great cross from Niall Cope met Oliver McDonough in the air. McDonough’s header soared into the back of the net after smashing the inside of the post.

McDonough proceeded to have another chance on goal after a great change of pace on the wing, but he couldn’t get his shot on target. The scoreline remained at 2-0 to Sandbach United at the break.

The second half started with a slower pace than the first, yet the visitors were still pushing for a goal to get back into the game at Hind Heath Road.

Market Drayton eventually pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute. The Market Drayton Town forward caught Sandbach goalkeeper, Seb Jensen, out in possession, and were gifted an easy goal to get back into the game.

Despite this, Sandbach won a penalty only five minutes later as Kattah was brought down in the box. Niall Cope’s bottom corner penalty was saved, keeping Market Drayton in the game.

The penalty save gave the visitors even more confidence, as in the 83rd minute, they equalised. Substitute, Cameron Dourish scored with a shot which blazed across the face of the goal following great build up play.

After a chaotic run of play in the final stages of the game, Kieran Alley scored a spectacular winning goal for the boys in blue and white. George Kattah cleverly flicked on the ball to Alley, who ran with the ball well before shooting with the outside of his boot. His ambitious shot bounced into the back of the net to gain Sandbach three points.

Sandbach played excellently throughout the game, along with a great result and winning goal, however they had several chances in the first half to finish off the game and score. Although Market Drayton did well to get back into the game, they were not able to score a vital third goal to secure the win while they were on top.

Sandbach make the trip to Cheadle Town on Tuesday night at 7:45PM for their next fixture. The Ramblers will be eager to climb the league table away from home.