Beechfield United Football Club

POSTED: July 10 2018 22:16:10 By Keith Long - United Beaten Following Pre-Season Friendly

The 2018/2019 Manchester Football League season kicks-off on Saturday 11th August so Beechfield United 1st Team have arranged a series of friendly games in preparation for their move into the Premier Division. On Monday evening 2nd July Beechy met Avro FC and despite being on the wrong end of a 5-1 score line United gave a satisfactory display especially in the first half. In heatwave conditions Beechy knew they faced a tough ninety minutes against last seasons champions but they made a confident start. Jordan Jones-Waite, Rob Lockley and Louis Duff combined in a swift counter-attack but the latter was just offside when he received the ball outside the area. Avro's No11 was at the heart of his teams best moves and thanks to some solid defending from Luke Johnston and Tom Allcock United managed to survive a tricky first ten minutes. A mazy run through midfield by Alfie Belcher set-up a decent chance for Jordan Jones-Waite who's effort on target was deflected for a corner.

Looking to produce an entertaining match both teams used the full width of the artificial surface and Beechy keeper Robert Harrison twice made reaction saves to deny fierce shots from Avro's No10 & No14. United continued to create a hard working all-round performance and just on the half hour mark another great move involving Rob Lockley and Jordan Jones-Waite almost brought United a goal. Minutes later following a goalmouth scramble a half volley by Louis Duff flew just wide with the keeper unsighted in the area. Marcus Belcher, Luke Johnston and Carl Ravenscroft defended superbly as Avro's attacking threat never waned and their No14 saw on effort hit the post. Crosses galore were delivered from both flanks testing United's ability in the air and one minute before the break Avro took the lead via their No8 and United opponents had the luxury of using eleven different players in the second half.

Beechy introduced substitutes Steven Erskine, Kurtis Lee and Ryan Williams but United soon found themselves trailing 2-0 when the referee awarded Avro a dubious penalty. Struggling to retain possession United relied heavily on the counter-attack more this half and in a defensive quartet that was forced to defend against constant Avro pressure Carl Ravenscroft had a terrific game making numerous vital ball winning tackles. Avro's No9 netted his teams third goal and guilty of wasting possession in midfield United gifted their opponents a fourth goal. Robert Harrison rescued Beechy with two more top-class saves and after United went 5-0 down a half chance was on offer to Jordan Jones-Waite but he fired the ball wide after a free kick. Just before the final whistle an attack developed down the right wing and a pinpoint cross by Tom Allcock was met by Kurtis Lee and he suppled a close range finish for United's consolation goal.