Alsager Town hosted local rivals Sandbach United in a bid to reach the second round of the Edward Case Cup.
First half
Alsager almost found themselves in trouble soon after the match kicked off when goalkeeper Charles Burgess came out of his net and was unable to win the ball. However, Sandbach did not manage to get a shot on goal.
The Bullets had their first chance after 12 minutes and opened the scoring. Tom Jackson was the goalscorer, finding the bottom right corner after a low cross was sent in which the Sandbach defender failed to make contact with.
It was the visitors who came closest to scoring next, as William Shawcross fired a shot from distance which went narrowly over the bar after a deflection.
Sandbach could have had another chance when an Alsager defender was dispossessed in a dangerous area, but nothing came of the mistake.
Burgess saved a shot on target not long after and the Bullets immediately had an opportunity at the other end of the pitch. The Sandbach defender attempted to head the ball back to his goalkeeper, but it only went as far as Luke Nicholls who was able to force Craig Ellison into a close range save.
Sandbach had a couple of half chances before the end of the half, including a curled effort which demanded a good save from Burgess. Despite their dominance, it was the hosts who went into the break with the lead.
Half time: Alsager Town 1-0 Sandbach United
Second half
It took Sandbach no time at all to find an equaliser in the second half. The ball was crossed into the box and Sam Tatters headed down the middle of the net to make it 1-1.
Alsager managed to get forward at times in search of the goal to restore their lead, but it was Sandbach who moved ahead on the scoreboard. Burgess made an initial save after a corner kick resulted in a low shot on goal. However, Ibrahima Thiam scored on the rebound to give his team the advantage.
It did not take long for Alsager to respond, thanks to a corner kick. The ball was crossed in and a very good Taylor Swift header found its way past Ellison into the bottom left corner of his net.
Sandbach were on top from this point onwards and came close with a couple of efforts. They took the lead again when Burgess came out and was unable to make a save as Kyle Foley made it 3-2 with a shot from the left side of the pitch.
There were very few signs that Alsager would get the goal to send the match to penalties and the away team ensured the proceedings of the night were settled in stoppage time. Burgess made a save, but Kacper Mikulski was first to arrive on the rebound and he found the net to seal the victory for Sandbach.
Full time: Alsager Town 2-4 Sandbach United
What next for Alsager Town?
The Bullets will look to put their cup troubles behind them with another home match, this time against Cammell Laird in the NWCFL First Divison South.
Alsager could use a victory in the league, having recently suffered two narrow 2-1 defeats to both Foley Meir and Ashville.
However, it has been more than two months since Warren Jones’ team last claimed a victory at Wood Park, a problem which will need to be overcome.
Despite this, there were some encouraging moments during the Tuesday night cup tie and these could help inspire a much needed win at the weekend.
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