Beechfield United Football Club

POSTED: November 09 2022 22:58:07. By Keith Long - Players Cup Defeat For U/18's Thunder

Despite a fine all-round performance in the Players Cup Beechfield United Under 18's Thunder went out of the competition after a 2-1 First Round defeat by Deans Sports.

*On a very heavy pitch Beechy struggled to keep the ball in the opening ten minutes and though Deans enjoyed more possession they were limited to long range efforts. Gradually Thunder got a grip in midfield and started to put pressure on their opponents folowing some great play down both wings. Beechy made the vital breakthrough when Miguel Gikundino found space on the right flank and with the keeper off his line he cut inside and slotted the ball home at the near post. Thunder continued to create the better chances but they were unable to score a second goal and Deans equalised just before half when one of their players was left unmarked at the back post and his header made it 1-1.

In the second half Beechy stepped up a gear and Miguel Gikundino and Ryley Walker caused Deans all sorts of problems resulting in Thunder winning numerous free kicks around the penalty area. Konstantin Hristova went close to a goal direct from a corner but the Deans keeper made a fine fingertip save. Beechy's best chance in the second half arrived when Callum Snaith sent a great pass onto Miguel Gikundino who easily went past the Panthers defence but the ball got caught under his feet and the Deans keeper was able to make a save. Creating a counter-attack the Panthers went 2-1 up with ten minutes to go and though Thunder put constant pressure on their opponents they couldn't find the elusive second goal.