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  Beechfield United FC weekend results
By Keith Long.
Beechfield United's First Team closed the gap on leaders Wythenshawe Town at the top of the Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester Football League Division One table to six points. But before they were able to secure a 2-1 home victory Beechy had to overcome atrocious conditions and an extremely talented Woodley Sports Reserves outfit. Despite being hampered by gale force winds both teams still managed to produce an entertaining and competitive ninety minutes and United should have been two goal's up inside eight minutes but both Aaron Dennis and Tom Carroll wasted easy chances with only the keeper to beat. After another brief period of superb counter-attacking Beechy began to struggle against their young and gifted opponents who dominated possession for long periods and using the full width of the 3G Astroturf Pitch Woodley Sports movement off the ball and powerful attacking play was a joy too watch. With the exception of defender Anthony Wallis and Steve Erskine who was the pick of the midfield trio far too many players in the United line-up produced below-par performances especially in the first half. Manager Richard Jackson gave the players a stern lecture at half time and United began the second half brimming with confidence and opened the scoring in the 48th minute. Substitute Anthony Weall who was back in the squad following a lengthy absence through injury was involved in the move started by Erskine's accurate through ball that found Weall who's half-volley was parried by the keeper but Luke Mather timed his run into the area and dived full length to head the rebound into the net. Three minutes later United added their second goal when another magnificent pass by Erskine set-up Anthony Weall and he produced a fine left footed finish from about 12 yards. But despite holding a healthy looking two goal lead United never looked in full control of the match and Woodley Sports began to enjoy more of the ball again and on the hour mark the visitors got a goal back via their No10. Suddenly United's back four of Mather, Wallis, Tim Taylor and Andrzej Browne were put under tremendous pressure and keeper Rob Harrison was forced to show his ability on numerous ocassions. Both teams had used all their substitutes by the 75th minute but United began to look lethargic while Woodley Sports who had stepped up a gear showed more fluency and created chances galore thanks to more brilliant football played at a teriffic pace. Somehow United survived a nervous last few minutes during which Harrison guaranteed Beechy the victory when he made at least one world class save. Man of the Match was Anthony Weall. Beechfield United Reserves 1 Hindford Reserves 3 A decent display by United's Reserves went unrewarded following this re-arranged Division Three match but Beechy did have the luxury of taking the lead after only seven minutes courtesy of Man of the Match Steven Griffiths. Hindsford Reserves who currently occupy second place in the table were a well organised team and looked dangerous via the counter-attack and in reply forced a few acrobatic saves from United keeper Andrew Coogan. Beechy should have increased their lead before Hindsford drew level in the 43rd minute thanks to a fine solo goal from their No10 and a minute later the visitors led 2-1 when United failed to deal with an inswinging corner. In the second half United had the wind in their favour and Mike Leach saw his swerving low drive beat the keeper but a defender was in the right place to clear the ball off the line. The Hindsford keeper continued to deny United a deserved equalising goal and slightly against the run of play Hindsford went 3-1 up on 65minutes via a well executed finish from their No9 who following a superb piece of skill almost made it 4-1 but the ball rebounded back into play off the crossbar. United produced a late attacking surge but chances were few and far between Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
