By Steven Oldham Cover photo: Geoff Quinn Stockport Georgians vs Sandbach United
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Alsager Town looking onwards and upwards
Alsager Town‘s 3-0 win over strugglers Allscott Heath in the North West Counties First Division South may seem unremarkable – but it’s a result that leaves them just one point shy of the playoffs.
As the NWCFL Groundhop took centre stage, The Bullets took full advantage of the top five sides all failing to win this weekend after a late flurry of goals bagged a welcome first win in six games.
Adam Dahou opened the scoring after 71 minutes, with Jamie Walker and Ashton Brogan also getting in on the act in the final 20 minutes. It’s a repeat scoreline from the reverse fixture back in August.
READ MORE: NWC: Winsford United extend lead to 5 points
Eccleshall deny Winsford win
League leaders Winsford United were pegged back by an injury time equaliser for Eccleshall in a 2-2 draw – but still extend their lead by a point after title rivals Stafford Town were battered 5-1 by Runcorn Town.
Winsford went into the break ahead thanks to an own goal – and quickly doubled their lead after the restart with Elliott Coleman adding his 13th of the campaign.
Not to be dismissed from the playoff conversation themselves, Eccleshall were back in it five minutes later through Liam Hallam – and Jacob Vernon’s leveller five minutes into added time secured a point for Liam Kelly’s side, who are in seventh place behind Alsager on goal difference alone.
Away day joy for Runcorn Town
Runcorn’s impressive win sees them take a precious three points in their bid to avoid a bottom three placing. Two early Jamie Apperley goals had the visitors in charge within a quarter hour – with Matthew Vickers adding his own brace in the second half, and Danny Clark completed the rout.
Mitchell Glover netted a consolation for the hosts at 4-0 but it would be Runcorn’s day, with the side managed by Darren Moore and Liam Page now holding a six point buffer to the drop zone.
Town are unbeaten in three and have racked up 12 goals and seven points in these games.
Georgians see off Sandbach as records tumble
Third-placed Sandbach United also fell to a shock defeat; losing 3-1 to Stockport Georgians in the Groundhop’s early kick off.
A bumper crowd of 532 – a new Cromley Road record – were treated to a sixth home win of the season for Georgians who won it with two late goals.
Kyle Wych had broken the deadlock after a goalless first half, before Ben Greenop brought Sandbach back to parity within three minutes.
Manager reflects on a rare loss on groundhop Saturday pic.twitter.com/GUOCCbvmQR
— Sandbach United – 1st Team ⚽️ (@SandbachFC_1st) March 1, 2025
Ollie McFadyen proved to be the key man, scoring twice in 15 minutes – including the penalty that sealed victory. Georgians are now eight points clear of the drop zone – and have at least one game in hand on every other team in the league.
Sandbach are almost guaranteed a playoff spot now – but fail to win in consecutive games for the first time since September.
New Mills back to winning ways
Fellow Groundhop hosts New Mills moved back into the top half by beating fifth-placed Cheadle Heath Nomads 2-0 at Church Lane.
With the ‘hoppers boosting the attendance to a comfortable season’s best of 552, the home side had it wrapped up in the first 20 minutes – with Ashley Woods and Chris Pauley on target for The Millers.
A first win in six for Chris Baguley’s side simultaneously extends Nomads’ winless run to six, with Adam Bond’s side failing to score in their last three.
My favourite ground of the day, a really enjoyable visit. Very good hosts! pic.twitter.com/KIB7hvgeNz
— 🐝 (@SibsMUFC) March 1, 2025
Ashville double up at Market
Ashville are another side with a keen interest in Cheadle’s position in the top five, with Steven Scott’s men now just three points behind after a 3-1 win at Market Drayton Town.
Peter Morgan gave the visitors the lead just before the break, with Raul Bisong levelling for the Gingerbreads midway through the second half. Joel Kelly’s fifth of the season re-established the visitors’ lead, and Mark Madden made sure of it from the penalty spot with 15 left to play.
The Wallasey side do the double over Town, having won the reverse fixture 1-0 on the opening day.
North West Counties First Division South results
Cammell Laird were denied three points by fourth-placed Abbey Hulton United, who secured a 2-2 draw with an equaliser seven minutes into added time. Jack Kelly and James Eaton were on target for Lairds, who were pegged back twice by Lewis Bergin and Kieran Brown.
Barnton fell to a 1-0 defeat at Shawbury United – a result that allowed the victors to climb off the bottom of the table. Marc Stallard scored the game’s only goal as the visitors lost for the first time in three games.
Hear from man of the match Harry Johnston after a frustrating afternoon
— Barnton AFC (@barntonfc) March 1, 2025
Out man of the match is sponsored by @WinsfordTH pic.twitter.com/mz1oQNWOq5
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