POSTED: October 03 2020 13:56:49 By Keith Long
- Junior Section Match Details 3/10/2020
Despite the wet conditions on Saturday morning all the games that went ahead in the Junior Section were action packed and produced some interesting results.
There has been a stop start season so far for Beechfield United Under 8's Storm who have only played three games in the past six months. But the lack of match practice hasn't hamper the players whatsoever and Storm's all-round performance in their Blue Group away game against Salford Tornadoes was a joy to watch. A hard working Beechy outfit scored three goals during a passage of play which was worked on in training. All the goals scored in the game were spread throughout the team which was even more pleasing for Manager Ian Lee. Maxwell Omotayo and Gino Fierro combined to snuff out any chances the opposition created while Rian Cox got in on the act when he scored via a wonderful free kick. Ellis Jorgensen a vital player to the team produced a hard working display on the left, right and central areas of the pitch. Always on the front foot was Jack Holston who was quick when putting Storm's opponents under pressure and he has that little something special to become a very good player. Constantly on the move was Kasope Alo who used his pace in an high energy performance and he netted one of the goals courtesy of a clinical finish. Man of the Match could have been anyone but the award went to goalkeeper Finn Lee who knows that as a keeper with not much match experience is a tough position to play but he showed great maturity as he kept his concentration in testing conditions.
In the Under 8's Yellow Group Beechy Tornadoes were at home to neighbours Moorside Rangers Greens and made it three wins on the trot. According to Team Manager Ryan Pugh every play who thoroughly enjoyed their football was fantastic again. Sharing the goals for the Tornadoes were Alfie Morris, Kai Barker, Harvey Pugh and Tyler Ackernley.
The improving Under 9's met local rivals Moorside Rangers Yellows at Beech Farm and in this Red Group encounter both defences were on top in a very tight first half. Thomas Brady, Daniel Wharton and Jacob Wood displayed great resilience back up by the sound handling of Beechy goalie Sophia Price. In a much more open second half United's attacking players Oliver Cooper, Aiden Gradwell and Robert Wagner moved the ball with a lot more accuracy that led to Beechy creating more goal scoring opportunities. Unfortunately a couple of swift attacks by Rangers resulted in United's opponents taking a two goal lead. But the introduction of Man of the Match Brody Burns in defence helped trigger a comeback and Oliver Cooper added the finish to some great build up play to level the scores. During a frantic last ten minutes Beechy went close to snatching a winning goal but it was Rangers who secured victory in the closing stages.
Beechy Under 12's Hurricanes (9v9) welcomed Barr Hill Clubs to Beech Farm Playing Fields for their latest Division 1 fixture. Hurricanes Manager Ben Robinson had a full squad available for the first time this season. After soaking up some early pressure Beechy took the lead when Henry Errington went past three defenders before rounding the keeper and firing the ball into the empty net. Then Henry made it 2-0 with his fifth goal so far this season when he ended another quick counter-attack with a first-class finish. Hurricanes remained in control but could easily have been more than two goals up when the referee ended the first half. Thomas Robinson scored his first goal of the season to put Beechy three goals ahead and Hurricanes dazzling 4-0 victory was guaranteed after Enzo Patrick chipped home his first goal of the campaign. Oliver Hall was voted Man of the Match.
Against a skilful Winton Wolves outfit the Under 12's Lightning (9v9) boys were slow out of the blocks and were soon under pressure. Due to some sloppy defending Beechy found themselves five goals down at half time but Lightning played much better after the break. They reduced the arrears with two good goals one a long range effort from Ethan Harris and the other a brilliant header by Man of the Match Jai Devani-White following a corner.
Playing their official 11-a-side fixture in the Salford and Districts League were Beechy Under 13's Storm who met Hough End Griffins at Littleton Road. Despite producing a decent performance and creating lots of chances Beechy had left their shooting boots at home. Grace Belcher was voted Player of the Match while Damian Derbyshire and James Cadwaladr scored the goals for Storm who suffered a 7-2 defeat.
Moving to the Bolton Bury and District League are the Under 13's Hurricanes and their opening Section D game was at home to Turton Tigers which ended in a 7-5 win for the Hurricanes. Before they had chance to settle into the match Beechy had conceded two goals but slowly after getting their act together the Hurricanes went onto to earn a deserved three points. Man of the Match Kane Wood (Hat-Trick) Dylan Walker (2) Oliver Sheridan and Ethan Mangwiro fired home the goals.
Cody Brady netted the Under 14's Lightning's goal in a 1-1 draw away at Deans Youth Panthers. Lightning's performance in this league fixture was slightly below-par so Beechy Manager Nathan Hawthorne didn't name a Man of the Match. Thanks to the one point gained Lightning found themselves as Division 2 leaders.
Making their debut in the Bolton Bury and District League were the Under 15's Tornadoes. In tough conditions Beechy played with lots of energy against Oxford Grove and were worthy winners of this Section D away game. After going a goal down the Tornadoes produced a positive response and were soon back on level terms. With no substitutes available the Beechy boys gave 110% and there was a great team spirit on display throughout the contest. Man of the Match could have gone to any of the eleven players but it went to the impressive Harry Officer who was making his Beechy debut. Harry got one of the goals and also on target for the Tornadoes were Ryan Lewis and Bradley Oliver who scored an unbelievable seven goals.
Also in the Bolton Bury and District League the Under 15's Storm found themselves top of the Section C table following their 5-2 away win over Pennington Youth. Aaron Pettigrew opened the scoring when he gave Storm the lead via a close range finish. Thanks to some great play between Luke Bedforth, Josh Everall and Harrison Davies Pennington found it hard to create any worthwhile chances. Harry Patterson put Beechy 2-0 up then after Alfie Jones scored the third goal with a header Storm were in cruise control. Remaining on top in the second half Beechy were rewarded with a fourth goal after some excellent build up play involving Leo Barrett and Harry Patterson set-up Abraham Abiola Joel who casually flicked the ball over the Pennington keeper. The referee awarded Pennington a goal despite their player being yards offside and following another debatable decision the hosts made it 4-2. But Storm replied in the best possible way when Jayden Okoli netted the fifth goal to complete the scoring and secure Beechy a thoroughly deserved victory. Man of the Match was Harrison Davies.
United's Under 17's Tornadoes dominated the majority of their Section C home fixture with Prestwich FC. Despite gifting their opponents three goals the Tornadoes still had enough quality within the team to celebrate a 5-3 victory. Dominic Green was named Beechy's Best Player and goals for the Tornadoes came courtesy of Jacob Jeffrey (Hat-Trick) Jack Broadie and Jake Rhodes.