Beechfield United Football Club

POSTED: February 13 2018 12:56:20 By Keith Long - Sat Morning Team Secure Semi-Final Place

Following a 5-3 away win Beechfield United Saturday Morning Senior Team booked their place in the Steeles Shield semi-final's. Brushes Rangers Spartak were United's opponents in this quarter final tie and making the best possible start Beechy took the lead after only eight minutes. A move developed down the left flank and it was Wes Pierce who delivered a great cross that found Scott Foulds and he slotted the ball home. But United were ahead for just four minutes after they failed to defend against a free kick allowing a Brushes Rangers forward a fairly easy headed goal for the equaliser. Then Brushes went 2-1 up in the 18th minute via a quick break on the left side of midfield and one of their forwards cut across the pitch and hammered a great strike on target. Beechy keeper Chris Pollock made a superb save but the ball rebounded back to the Brushes player who headed it into the net. Play remained fairly evenly balanced for the remainder of the first half with chances on offer to both teams and Brushes were still leading at the break.

Ten minutes into the second half United got back level via a quick attack through the middle that saw Max Leonard go on a clear run and though the keeper saved his effort on target the ball spun back to Scott Foulds who headed it onto Matthew McCusker for an easy close range finish. On the hour mark another move through the central area of the pitch saw Wes Pierce get control of the ball and his pass found Max Leonard and he set-up Roy Owen who scored at the second attempt. But the home side responded and on seventy minutes after some slack defending by Beechy a Brushes forward put pressure on the ball and a team mate hammered it into the net. United continued to work hard in all areas and regaining control of the tie were eventually rewarded by retaking the lead.

In the 82nd minute a slick move across the midfield sent Max Leonard through down the right flank and his accurate cross behind the Brushes defence was met by Roy Owen and with his second goal of the game made it 4-3. United's victory was guaranteed on 88 minutes courtesy of Wes Pierce who completed the scoring via a calm and accurate finish following a move involving Roy Owen. The Man of the Match award was shared between Wes Pierce and Scott Foulds but overall this was an outstanding all-round team performance. (Match played on 10th February 2018)