POSTED: November 30 2016 21:49:35 By Keith Long
- Louis Duff Your Team-Mates Salute You
Producing a spectacular fightback Beechfield United recovered from 2-0 down in their Division 1 home game with Boothstown FC to secure a 5-2 victory. The highlight of United's absolutely stunning comeback was a memorable hat-trick in the last twenty minutes by Louis Duff. Beechy knew their opponents would be a tough team to beat and straight from the kick-off Boothstown showed their attacking qualities and United keeper Robert Harrison was soon in action making two fine saves. Beechy gradually enjoyed more of the ball and with Steven Erskine and Chris Ferris in midfield supplying some great passes from midfield chances were on offer.
A long distance effort by full back Carl Ravenscroft flew just wide of the target and Craig Massey came close to opening the scoring following clever play by Jamie Sinnott. Producing more attractive football Boothstown took the lead in the 22nd minute when they were awarded a clear-cut penalty and their number seven score from the resulting spot-kick. Despite the contest losing some of it's early sparkle United continued to play with real energy and could have got back level via Kurtis Lee and Steven Erskine who were gifted fairly easy chances.
Early in the second half despite being forced to do same serious defending Beechy kept creating quality counter-attacks and following a free kick taken by Jamie Sinnott the ball fell nicely to Craig Massey who was inches away from diverting it into the net. There was a suspicion of offside when Boothstown opened up a 2-0 lead on fifty eight minutes and a few minutes later United made a couple of tactical changes. Mike Phythian and Gareth Mooney (who's last appearance for United was in March 2013) replaced Jamie Sinnott and Kurtis Lee. The air temperature around the pitch dropped a few degrees but both teams maintained a hot pace to their all-round play.
A move started deep in their own half led to United reducing the arrears when Mike Phythian produced a surging run down the right flank and his accurate low cross was met by Rob Lockley who fired the ball off his right foot into the corner of the net. What followed was nothing short of sensational after United made their third substitution when Craig Massey was replaced by Louis Duff who made an immediate impact when with virtually his first touch on the ball he headed Beechy level. Both teams continued to create more high-quality soccer and Gary Wallis was a key figure in United's back four but Beechy suddenly stepped up a gear and deservedly went 3-2 up.
From close to the halfway line Gareth Mooney hooked the ball forward to Rob Lockley and United's number ten fired it across the area and arriving at the back post was Louis Duff who supplied a superb close range finish. Boothstown were always a threat via isolated counter-attacks but Beechy continued their comeback in style and added a fourth goal. Steven Erskine delivered an inch perfect pass to Rob Lockley who's clever footwork easily took him past a Boothstown defender before he hammered the ball through a crowded penalty area and into the net.
In the closing minutes Man of the Match Louis Duff completed his hat-trick and the scoring when he finished off another brilliant move involving Gareth Mooney and Rob Lockley. United's next fixture is on Saturday 10th December when they play Chadderton Reserves at Salford Sports Village Kick-off 3pm.