Abbey fall to defeat against Cheadle Heath Nomads

Abbey Hey fell to their first defeat in six outings with a 2-1 defeat at home to Cheadle Heath Nomads.

The home side had a brilliant chance to take the lead early in the first half through defender Matthew Grimshaw, but he dragged a header wide of goal after finding himself unmarked from a set-piece.

Top goalscorer Jordan Lazenbury also went close in the first half to open the scoring at the Abbey Stadium, but he dragged an effort wide of goal from a tight angle on the left.

The hosts started the second half strongly and were denied by the woodwork when Jake Dunford struck the post from close-range, before captain Aaron Fleming headed over the bar from a corner.

The visitors opened the scoring against the run of play, stunning the host’s who wasted many chances. Following a low-drilled cross into the box, Cheadle Heath Nomads’ striker Max Lewens was able to easily slide the ball past Ross Heywood.

Just 13 minutes later, the Stockport based side scored again. Daniel McLaughlin was able to score from close-range, giving Abbey a very challenging task to fight back from two goals down.

The introductions of Joe Neild and Dylan Fitzgerald gave Abbey Hey a lease of life in the last 20 minutes, as Rhys Clooney was able to get on the score sheet with just over 15 minutes to go, drilling a shot into the bottom left corner from 20 yards out, recording his seventh goal of the season.

However, that goal only proved to be a consolation as the home side were unable to find an equaliser late on.

Abbey Hey are next in action next Saturday, as they will look to get back to winning ways away from home against Maine Road (3pm kick-off).