In their pursuit of a play-off spot, the Ramblers were aware of the high stakes of the fixture, as a win would secure their place in the play-offs. Manager, Declan Swan stated, “Both teams have an awful lot at stake today, as the final league games draw upon us with less than a month to go.”

In the last home game of the season, Jordan Stafford took the captains armband, and played alongside Louis Johnson in the centre of defence.

For the opening 30 minutes, Stockport Town controlled the game. The visitors were unlucky not to score, due to their dominant possession and several goal-threatening opportunities.

However, in the 31st minute, the Lions got their deserved goal. Stockport forward, Daniel McLaughlin, found the ball at his feet after a curled corner, with goalkeeper, Eric Merner out of position. McLaughlin took his chance and did not fail to miss from close range to take the lead for his team.

Sandbach equalised with a goal of their own, only 11 minutes later. Callum Chapman delivered an outstanding, curled cross into the box, which found the head of Brian Barton. Barton forcefully flicked on the ball into the far side of the goal, leaving Stockport goalkeeper, Joshua Schofield static on his goal-line.

Instantly, Bach increased their advantage before half-time. Only one minute after the equalising goal, Harry Cain was brought down in the box, and referee, Jonathion Burgess, did not hesitate to award a penalty to the hosts. Robbie Hatton stepped up to take the penalty, and confidently blazed the ball into the top right corner, to put the Ramblers in the lead.

The hosts extended their lead once again, only seven minutes into the second half. Harry Cain’s initial, close-range shot was easily blocked by Stockport goalkeeper, Joshua Schofield. However, the save deflected back off of Cain, and the ball found the back of the net, making it 3-1 to Sandbach.

In the 61st minute, Daniel McLaughlin was shown a second yellow card, leaving the Lions with only 10 men on the pitch.

Sandbach were eager to hold onto their lead for the final 30 minutes, to secure their play-off position that they have been working towards for the entirety of the season.
For the remainder of the contest, Sandbach defended resiliently, and held on to their lead well, by not letting their opponents to get back into the game and bouncing back confidently after conceding their first goal.

Stockport Town controlled the game up until Bach’s two quick, consecutive goals within a short period of time before the break, and failed to get back into the match in the second half.

Sandbach now look forward to their next fixture against Barnton on the 10th of April, as they aim to gain as many points as possible from their final three away games.

Written by Daniel Needham