By Jay Rowland

After a disappointing result on the road at the hands of NWCFL playoff finalists New Mills, the Ramblers are looking to inspire their fans with a strong display.

A tricky Bank Holiday weekend double fixture saw Sandbach travel to NWCFL finalists and semi-finalists New Mills and Abbey Hey respectively in two days, and manager Declan Swan was surely disappointed to walk away with only one point, as Abbey Hey stole a 96th-minute equaliser before an off-day for the Ramblers saw New Mills take all three points on Monday.

Sandbach will be happy to see Josh Klein-Davies making back-to-back appearances off the bench in the previous two fixtures, after missing the start of the season nursing an injury from the previous campaign.

Eric Merner is still side-lined after his foot injury sustained against Alsager, so Joel Dovey will likely continue to deputise in his absence.

Cheadle Nomads have endured a difficult start to the season, and currently sit 19th in the table and are winless in 6 games.

After losing 2-1 at home to Foley Meir on the opening day of the season, they recorded their only point so far with a 1-1 draw at home to Ashville.

From then, four consecutive losses to Barnton, Brocton, Alsager Town and Stockport Town have seen them drop into the relegation zone.

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Despite averaging a goal a game, Nomads have also conceded 17 goals, which is the fourth worst in the division. They will be hoping to shore up that defence on Saturday afternoon, especially against a Sandbach side averaging over 2 goals scored per game.

Last season, the honours were even between both sides as they both recorded victories away from home. Nomads ran out 3-1 victors at Hind Heath Road, with now-coach Brian Barton scoring the Ramblers only goal.

At the ProSeal Stadium, Sandbach United won 5-3 in a thrilling midweek contest. After Nomads went into half-time two goals ahead, Bobbie McDonnell halved the deficit before Kyle Foley restored the Nomads 2-goal advantage.

Goals from Chris Rowntree, Declan O'Riordan and an Aaron Knight brace all came within the last 25 minutes to secure all three points.

It looks sure to bring goals on a warm September afternoon and will be a great advert for North West Counties football. Kick-off is at 3pm at Hind Heath Road, CW11 3LZ.