Beechfield United Football Club

POSTED: July 17 2018 15:14:34 By Keith Long - United Still Seek Pre-Season Victory

Beechfield United 1st Team still await their first pre-season victory following a friendly match against Salford Victoria. Three key players were unavailable but Beechy still had enough strength in depth as they faced their local rivals at Salford Sports Village. The match finished 1-1 but United created enough chances early in the first half to have secured themselves a win. In less than three minutes United could have taken the lead had Jordan Jones-Waite finished off a quick-counter-attack down the left flank. Salford Vics forwards put in some hard running forcing pressure on Beechy defenders Mike Rogerson, Marcus Belcher and Luke Johnston. Producing a skilful solo run was Kurtis Lee who's fine effort forced a corner then the Beechy striker angled a pass onto Louis Duff who was caught just offside. Another neat move involving Jordan Jones-Waite was ruined when this time Craig Massey was judged by the referee to be in an offside position when he received the ball. Salford Victoria rarely wasted possession and their No3 and No12 featured in most of their teams prominent attacks and on one occasion Vics No15 shot wide from fifteen yards.

Just after the twenty minute mark Kurtis Lee created another mazy run and again linked-up Louis Duff who was onside but he hammered the ball wide of the target. In the midfield area United's Manager Steven Erskine caught the eye with some great inch perfect passes and help set-up more decent chances. A couple of vital first time clearances were required from Marcus Belcher as Beechy ended the first having to do more unwanted defending. The teams continued to be play at a frantic pace as the second half got underway and Vics came near to making the breakthrough. Their No11 wasted a decent chance from close range but in the 59th minute following a corner Vics eventually grabbed the lead after a goalmouth scramble. Beechy needed to display more composure when in possession and at the end of a quick breakaway move Kurtis Lee saw his header well saved after a pinpoint cross from Jordan Jones-Waite.

Making a couple of tactical changes United re-introduced Louis Duff and Craig Massey back into the action. Still playing with real confidence Salford Victoria made United work hard in all areas and some top-class defending from Tim Taylor denied United's opponents the luxury of a possible 2-0 lead. Louis Duff carved out a golden chance for Crag Massey though the Beechy man fired the ball wide from about the penalty spot. But Craig made up for his miss when he weaved his way past a couple of defenders and superbly set-up Jordan Jones-Waite and Beechy's Man of the Match casually slotted the ball past the keeper for the equaliser in the 80th minute.