And so to The Giant Studio Stadium and Allscott Sports & Social Club on Shawbirch Road for a North West Counties Division One South clash between Allscott Heath FC and Sandbach United FC.
The Monners (somebody who has lived their entire life in the same town or suburb) was formed as Atlas FC in 2010, changing name to Allscott in 2011, then to Allscott Heath in 2019.
After a spell in the Mercian League, Heath joined the West Midlands (Regional) League in 2016, succeeding as champions in 2023 and rising to Midland League Division 1. Runners up last season but missing out as play off losers, Allscott moved laterally to the NWCFL Division One South for this campaign. The Monners currently sit 6th with 10 points from 6 games.
Sandbach United was established in 2004 when Sandbach Ramblers and Sandbach Albion joined forces in their quest to improve football facilities in Sandbach. The club badge reflects the union, featuring R and A in its design.
Sandbach Albion, formerly known as Hays Junior FC, was founded in 1994. Sandbach Ramblers Youth Football Club was reformed in 1995 to provide access for schoolboy football for the youth of Sandbach and the surrounding area.
United originally competed in the Staffordshire County Senior League, before moving to the Cheshire League in 2011 where they were promoted to the Premier Division in 2014. The Ramblers were accepted into the North West Counties in 2016 and have consistently placed upper half, with two failed play off attempts. One place below Allscott in 7th the Ramblers also have ten points from six league games this time. This includes a thrilling comeback at home on Tuesday against the previously unbeaten Camels of Cammell Laird, coming back from 3-0 down to win 4-3.
Past Ouvra Deli and Kanchi Foods then numberplates DE1 8OYZ (J Davidson), AM1 8EAU, PH11ZZR and Vanoffee - unsurprisingly a mobile coffee outlet. And another BJS home delivery van - this one 'Lighting Up Blackpool'....
A very similar route to last week's trip to Shawbury. So to the M6 and Sica Jenga graffiti and a hoarding advertising Tough CAD - indestructible plans.
Off at a gloomy Trentham and the journey becomes one of incessant tractors and caravans... At Ashley there's Romany Rise and duck & quail eggs before I'm at Loggerheads again...
Then Almington Quarry, Dorothy Clive Garden and Market Drayton. Here I find Fordhall Organic Farm and a promise...'Gypsy/ Traveller Site Coming Soon' - I bet the residents can't wait 😀
To Tern Hill Hall, Cold Hatton - it's a lovely summer's day by the way - Waters Upton and horrific roadworks at Crudgington 😳 Onto The Ugly Duckling at Long Lane before turning at the Shawbirch roundabout.
That brings me to The Pheasant at Admaston and shortly after into Allscott - the cricket, bowling and sports clubs on the right. £6 admission and a crowd of 92 assembles.
The near end holds the car park (no problem today) and a large new build residential estate. The far side has the required 50 seat covered stand, in green, and behind is the cricket club, with a match in progress.
Opposite are the changing rooms and the bar, with benches and a function room alongside. At the top, which is closed off, more football pitches and mature trees.
The Monners are in green and black, sponsored by Y-our Network Group, whilst the Ramblers are in blue and white, sponsored by Planet Environmental.
Sandbach, prompted by Stanley Tatters, immediately take control. Joe Bevan shoots wide when he should have done better and then hits the underside of the bar.
However third time lucky and on 27 minutes he bursts through and confidently hits home. Ben Greenop doubles the lead three minutes later; his rather apologetic shot dumbfounding unsighted home keeper Bayden Ngo-Zulu.
That becomes three ten minutes before half time. Left back Taylor Kennerley swings in a ball from right wing which misses everyone and nestles in the corner of the net.
3-0 to the Ramblers at the break, Allscott barely raising a whimper.
The Monners are allowed to be better in the second period, with Sandbach not displaying the same level of urgency. Heath's Eric Mensah goes close and then has an effort cleared off the line.
United waste a four on two, and Allscott take advantage. Sub Harry Morris, with a delicious lob over away custodian Andrew Jones, at least gives the Monners a consolation with seven minutes left.
Greenop heads badly wide but the last laugh is with the Ramblers. With the final move of the match they break and the ball falls to sub Sam Lynch and his shot is deflected, looping over Ngo-Zulu.
The 92 minutes are up and Sandbach come away with a deserved 4-1 win 😀 United go sixth, Heath fall to eleventh.
