By Daniel Needham

Following two losses against Cheadle Town and Maine Road, Sandbach had two weeks to prepare for their game at home vs Ellesmere Rangers.

Declan Swan admittedly stated before the game: "This is arguably our toughest fixture of the season."

Although the Ramblers were hopeful for a win at home, four players were missing for the fixture, along with certain departures from the club.

Sandbach acted early and pressured Ellesmere from the start. Their arduous work immediately paid off, as Harry Cain won a penalty only five minutes into the game.

Cain additionally took the penalty, which he calmly slotted into the bottom left corner.

George West saw an opportunity to instantly increase Sandbach's advantage, only five minutes later.

However, his close range shot floated over the crossbar, preventing the hosts from having a two-goal lead.

In the 23rd minute, Ellesmere equalised from a whipped in corner. The set-piece found Callum Graybrook, whose glancing header found the back of the net to make the score-line equal.

For the remainder of the first half, both sides were unable to score, despite creating chances.

As Sandbach were looking to go into the second half in the lead, they were pushing for a goal before half-time.

Daniel Brady made a great run with the ball as he drilled it into target man, Josh Oultram.

Oultram turned and promptly took a shot which was easily stopped by Ellesmere goalkeeper, Jack Boswell.

Sandbach maintained their fast-paced play into the second half, with constant chances to take the lead and solid defence.

Despite this high-quality style of football from Bach, they switched off as the Rangers took the lead against the run of play.

Half-time substitution, Jack Harris, was left unmarked in the box, as he was gifted a free header in open play against Eric Merner, who was also out of position.

With 20 minutes remaining, Sandbach were desperate to score. After multiple attempts from Ollie Jones, Tyler Barnes, and Harry Cain, Sandbach were unfortunately unable to equalise.

In the 90th minute, Jack Harris scored yet another goal for Ellesmere as his long-range shot smashed the back of the net.

Sandbach were vulnerable at the back following Ellesmere's counterattack, as Harris launched a shot from outside the box which keeper, Eric Merner failed to get to.

The full-time whistle blew, as a disappointed Sandbach side walked into the changing room.

Although Sandbach attempted to get back into the game at 2-1, they had several chances to extend their lead after Harry Cain's penalty.

However, third placed Ellesmere Rangers played well, by preventing an equaliser after they increased their lead to 2-1.

Sandbach now look to get their first win in four matches.