By Daniel Needham

On a warm afternoon at Hind Heath Road, Declan Swan was looking for back-to-back home wins, following their 1-0 victory last weekend against Alsager.

With Sandbach sitting on 7 points, a win could potentially launch them into 3rd place. However, Foley Meir (despite only playing two games), were looking to propel themselves out of their 17th placed league position.

The Ramblers welcomed back Harry Cain into the squad, as well as reserve goalkeeper Joel Dovey. Manager Declan Swan explained, "We go with a new keeper in goal as we look to get back-to-back home clean sheets."

For the opening half an hour, both sides were creating chances, however they were not threatening enough for either team to take the lead. The hosts repeatedly attempted to find target man, Tyler Barnes, who was playing centre-forward.

In the 33rd minute, Harry Cain played a great long ball into Tyler Barnes, who kept possession well to eventually square the ball into Niall Cope. In the middle of the box, Cope's first-time finish was off target.

The uneventful first half came to a close goalless, with minimal big chances from either side.

Only 8 minutes into the second half, the Staffordshire side took the lead. A high corner was met by a Foley Meir forward at the back post, who set-up his teammate, Jack Gumbley, for a free header.

In the crowded box, Jack Gumbley scored the header only 5 yards away from the net, which was difficult for Joel Dovey to save.

Sandbach immediately responded with a goal of their own two minutes later. Harry Cain dribbled well as he found an advantageous position to release a shot on the edge of the box.

The powerful, low-driven shot sailed in between Rhys Parry's legs, bringing an end to Foley Meir's abbreviated lead.

Following Sandbach's equaliser, they were much more energetic, producing more chances, pressing well, and not giving the visitors any time on the ball. In the 64th minute, Sandbach took the lead as Liam Fitzpatrick valiantly fought to win the ball back in a dangerous position.

Without hesitation, Fitzpatrick instantly released a curled shot into the far post which beat Foley Meir goalkeeper, Rhys Parry with ease.

With 10 minutes remaining in the match, Stan Tatters secured the victory for the Ramblers. A high corner from Niall Cope found unmarked Tatters at the front post, who was gifted a free header to extend the lead to 3-1.

The Sandbach players received an applause from the crowd as the full-time whistle blew due to their motivation to get back into the game after going 1-0 down. Although Foley Meir played well, the Ramblers were the deserved winners of the fixture.

Following Sandbach's admirable win against Foley Meir, they go on to play their 2nd away match of the season against Abbey Hey on Saturday 27th August.