Beechfield United Football Club

POSTED: November 30 2016 12:01:37 By Keith Long - Beechy Stitch Up The Medics

Thanks to a solid all-round performance Beechfield United Saturday Morning Senior Team made it four successive First Division wins following a 3-0 home victory over Manchester Medics. Sections of the Astroturf Pitch at Salford Sports Village was covered with heavy overnight frost when the match got underway. Medics created a few counter-attacks during the early exchanges but the visitors failed to turn the possession into scoring chances.

In the seventh minute Beechy took the lead when from a free kick Ian Black curled the ball deep into the area and John Bolton provided an accurate finish for the opening goal. Keeping the pressure on their opponents United looked full of confidence and they went 2-0 up on the quarter-hour mark. After winning possession in midfield Scott Foulds produced the highlight of the game when he lobbed the ball over the keeper from twenty yards.

Slowly enjoying a greater share of the ball Medics worked hard in an effort to get a better foothold in the match but United's back four of Kyle Walton, Dave Harrison, Daniel Eckersley and Tim McQueeney plus keeper Tony Robe (who was making his debut) were rarely threatened. Scott Foulds, Wes Pierce and Damon Whitbread were constantly involved in midfield as Beechy continued to create football of the highest quality. A great effort from Kane Branigan beat the keeper but hit the post then a pinpoint cross by Damon Whitbread was met by Scott Foulds who's header from eight yards flew over the crossbar.

Medics were better organised as the second half unfolded and the visitors briefly forced United to concede possession far too easily. The Medics number ten thought he had reduced the arrears but a keen eyed match officials disallowed the goal for offside then minutes later the same player saw a header hit the top of the crossbar. Midway in the second half Beechy made a couple of tactical changes when Dean Smith and Roy Owen replaced Ian Black and Kyle Walton. At times there was no real flow to the match and though United played the better soccer they still relied on a well organised defence that included the outstanding Daniel Eckersley.

United always had the ability to step up a gear and during a late attacking surge both Kane Branigan and Wes Pierce wasted easy chances. In time added on Beechy got their third goal via Damon Whitbread who controlled an inch perfect pass from Scott Foulds and produced an excellent finish. Sharing United's Man of the Match Award were Daniel Eckersley and Scott Foulds.