Following Sandbach’s 2-1 win away from home at the start of this season, the Ramblers were looking to pick up another three points against ‘The Cheshire Juve’.

The Bach sit in the 4th place in the NWCFL First Division South, with just 11 games left of the season, as they continue to push for promotion,

Sandbach started with a slightly different system than usual, with three defenders and two forwards attacking. Greenop started up top along with top scorer, Joe Bevan.

The hosts had some early chances but were unable to put them away to take the lead. Efforts from Joe Bevan and Kieran Alley were denied by Barnton goalkeeper, Ryan Bopda.

Barnton were sitting deep throughout the first half, with not many opportunities on goal for the visitors.

In the 40th minute, Ben Greenop opened the scoring to put Sandbach United in front. Greenop’s header from Niall Cope’s cross grazed the crossbar before falling into the back of the net.

Just two minutes later, Greenop scored again, as he found the net with a close range, powerful strike after a blocked Bevan effort.

At the start of the second half, Greenop almost got his third goal with an on-target header after a rapid ball was whipped into the box. However, Greenop’s effort was saved by Bopda.

Despite this, Greenop completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute. Sam Lynch played a great ball into the box to meet Greenop in the air, as Greenop bagged his second headed goal of the day.

Substitute, Jake Pollard was brought on towards the end of the game and had a brilliant chance after great build up play from the Ramblers. Pollards shot narrowly missed the woodwork and went wide.

Throughout the whole of the second half, Barnton were struggling to get back into the game, with little possession and chances in the final third.

In the 92nd minute, Joe Bevan made it 4-0 to Bach. 17-year-old Mason Wilson made his debut off the bench, accompanied by a phenomenal no-look pass to assist Bevan’s low drilled shot to finish off the game.

Sandbach did well to hold on to the clean sheet, and Ben Greenops’ significance in the squad was clearly highlighted in the fixture vs Barnton. Greenop also reached 20 goals for the season in this game, however, is still behind Joe Bevan who is on 25.

Especially in the second half, Barnton had trouble trying to get back into the game, with no clear-cut chances which could have pulled a goal back for the visitors.

Sandbach United now look forward to their next fixture against Cheadle Heath Nomads next Saturday. Another away fixture for Bach in their push for promotion this season.