Beechfield United Football Club

POSTED: April 11 2017 15:15:43 By Keith Long - Saturday Morning Team Secure Revenge Victory

For the second time in seven days Beechfield United Saturday Morning Senior Team were in action against West Didsbury and having lost to their opponents in the semi-final of the Manchester Evening News Cup Beechy were looking for revenge when the teams met for a Division One fixture. In perfect conditions United set-off well playing some good football similarly to the previous game but Beechy found themselves a goal down in the 25th minute. A long ball downfield split the Beechfield defence and an unmarked West Didsbury forward was able to slot it past the onrushing keeper. United worked non-stop in all areas of the pitch and equalised after thirty four minutes when a free kick was headed clear by a Didsbury defender but the ball bounced to John Bolton who from outside the area hammered it into the net.

The teams shared a 1-1 score line at the break and after a few tactical changes United looked better organised as the second half unfolded with Damon Whitbread operating in central midfield. After fifty eight minutes he picked up a loose ball took a touch and from 25 yards smashed a low drive into the corner of the net leaving the keeper with no chance of making a save. On seventy four minutes West Didsbury built an attack down the right flank but Beechy dealt with any possible threat. After a good tackle from a United defender the ball broke loose and it was Tom Barnes who reacted the quickest and fired the ball across the keeper into the far corner of the net. United's 3-1 lead lasted just seven minutes when West Didsbury added their second goal following a breakaway attack.

A Didsbury forward in a one on one with a Beechy defender moved the ball into a shooting position and it looped off the United man and into the net. But Beechy kept control for the remaining minutes and fully deserved their victory thanks to some good controlled football. John Bolton worked hard in all positions he played and was rewarded with a goal. The engine room was constant with excellent qualities including grit and determination. Damon Whitbread and Liam Foster were at the heart of everything and they shared the Man of the Match Award.