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*Producing a fantastic all-round performance Beechy fully deserved the win and the three points gained moved them into second place in the Division 1 table. The hosts kicked-off the match but operating with a 4-5-1 system it was Beechy who created the first real attack involving Amie Barratt and Sophie Addison. Under pressure AFC Oldham's No6 was forced to concede a corner and Beechy went close to an early goal following the flag kick taken by Stacy Partridge. AFC Oldham created a couple of good moves down both flanks but Kirsten Elrick and Monique Pollard produced well timed ball winning tackles then Megan Mirfield and Shauna Smith dealt with the hosts threat through the central area of the pitch. Beechy keeper Alice Mosley displayed some safe handling of the ball when AFC Oldham gave away possession via several overhit long passes.
Continuing their impressive start to the game Beechy forced a couple of saves from the hosts keeper while in midfield good link-up play between Stacy Partridge and Becky Topping set-up a chance for Amie Barratt who's effort went wide of the target. At the end of mazy run by Sophie Addison Beechy won another corner and once again AFC Oldham relied on some safety first defending when their No5 booted the ball upfield. Three times in quick succession Shauna Smith produced well timed headed clearances and Monique Pollard was in the right place to block a shot on target from the hosts No8. Beechy took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to a superb defence splitting pass from Becky Topping and a decisive finish by Sophie Addison who casually dinked the ball past the keeper and tapped it into the net.
The hosts slowly began to enjoy more of the ball but Beechy's back four remained a well organised unit and Alice Mosley continued to display her goalkeeping skills. A swift move involving the hard working Rosie Moorcroft and Amie Barratt resulted in the latter easily going past two opponents before firing the ball wide from twenty yards. Stacy Partridge, Amie Barratt, Becky Topping and Amiee Greenwood who's effort deflected for a corner combined in another fast flowing move. More rock solid defending from Kirsten, Shauna, Megan and Monique continued to frustrate the hosts valid attempt to get back on level terms. A great piece of play between Aimee Greenwood, Amie Barratt and Sophie Addison opened up the hosts defence but the referee awarded AFC Oldham a free kick indicating a foul had been committed during the move.
The AFC Oldham No12 forced her way into a decent shooting position but blasted the ball off target from close range then minutes later Megan Mirfield produced a first time clearance when the hosts launched another fast attack. Beechy forced a corner seconds before half time and after Stacy Partridge curled the ball into the area Monique Pollard sent a header over the crossbar. At the start of the second half Aimee Armsden replaced Rosie Moorcroft who had played a vital part in Beechy's excellent display in the first forty five minutes. The AFC Oldham No17 was caught just offside as the hosts made a fast start and a fine reflex save by Alice Mosley then vital clearances from Monique Pollard and Kirsten Elrick ruined the hosts continued attempt to find an equalising goal.
Sophie Addison was just off target with a half volley after receiving a pass from Becky Topping then Amie Barratt forced a one-handed save from the hosts keeper during another period of of impressive Beechy counter-attacking. Another great effort from Amie Barratt hit the top of the crossbar prior to AFC Oldham getting back on level terms when an accurate low finish by their No8 made it 1-1. Beechy were quick to respond following the setback and regained the lead when at the end of a fast attack on the right wing a rash challenge in the area on Sophie Addison by the AFC Oldham keeper gave the referee no option but to award a penalty. Stacy Partridge stepped forward to take the penalty and from the resulting spot-kick Beechy's midfield star easily beat the keeper when she hammered the ball into the roof of the net for 2-1.
Amie Barratt supplied the killer pass which led to Beechy's third goal when Player of the Match Sophie Addison displayed great footwork as she slipped past an AFC Oldham defender and slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Following a slight injury Aimee Greenwood was replaced by Emily Walmsley who quickly settled into the match and on three occasions under pressure produced some brilliant defending. Aimee Armsden, Shauna Smith, Megan Mirfield, Kirsten Elrick and Monique Pollard also defended superbly when the hosts created a last-ditch attacking surge. Two important saves by Alice Mosley and three wayward efforts from various AFC Oldham players were basically the last bits of action in the closing minutes.