Sandbach host a tricky game on Saturday as high flying Sheffield visit Bradwall Road, in a fixture that could be critical for both teams’ league aspirations. Having lost just the once this season Sheffield will visit full of confidence, whilst Sandbach have yet to be beaten at home this campaign, so should also have plenty of belief themselves. The record between the two teams is also well matched with honours even last season, which was also the case in 2016/17 when the South Yorkshire outfit gained promotion from the Midlands Premier, via the playoffs. Accordingly, they have always been there our thereabouts and as a result a hard-fought game is envisaged.

Having not played last weekend has given Sandbach the chance to get the odd player back to fitness, though the loss of influential forward Mike Egglestone is hoped not to be critical, as he leaves for six months away with work commitments. Fortunately, the weather has been a little kinder of recent, giving the pitches chance to repair, though Sandbach’s facilities generally are the finest in the area in this regard. This game will be the third memorial match in memory of Neil Dey, who tragically died in a road traffic collision on the 7th of November 2016 and on the pitch today will be several of his former teammates. We look forward to a good game and raising a glass to Neil in his memory.