Match Preview

For the second week in a row Sandbach have a long journey as they travel to Heslam Park on Saturday, for their Midlands League clash with Scunthorpe. The Greens have won four out of their last five games, and were only denied that fifth win after a controversial refereeing decision against Doncaster Phoenix. A impressive win over Peterborough Lions two weeks ago showed what the side can do and these victories has instilled confidence into their camp ahead of this week’s critical match against the Bach. Having had just one season in North 2 last year, Scunthorpe have returned to the Midlands Premier, but had a slow start as they took a bit of a while to recover from not winning too many games and being relegated. They now appear re-ignited so Sandbach face a tough encounter, with both teams riding high at the moment.

Scunthorpe traditionally have a strong scrummage and a very effective driving lineout game, so Sandbach will need to prepare for that and also look to reduce the number of penalties and yellow cards, that have dogged them more than once this season. Sandbach confidence should be high though, having won the last eight games in a row but the heavy ground at Heslam Park is a difficult place to win. Sandbach have only a couple of players missing, so coaches Rob Webber and Byron McGuigan again have some difficult choices, when they select the team to travel, with several players putting in impressive performances in the Saxons last week. Will have to see if that squad is good enough to spoil the Greens recent run.