POSTED: September 09 2019 12:08:23 By Keith Long
- Junior Section Match Details 7th Sept 2019
There were some impressive performances from numerous Beechfield United Junior Section teams who played their opening games of the 2019/2020 season.
*Siddal Moor Sports College was the venue for Beechfield United Under 15's Thunder's away game against newly promoted outfit Shawclough Rangers and Beechy made a fantastic start to life in the Championship Division in the North Bury Junior League courtesy of a 3-2 victory. Opening the match with a 4-2-3-1 formation Thunder initially found themselves under a great deal of pressure as Shawclough who were brimming with confidence moved the ball around well. The hosts were targeting their attacks down the left flank however some stout defending from Max Shaw and Taonga Mututa seemed to nullify that threat. Undeterred, Rangers then moved their attacks over to the right flank, thankfully Ronan Courtney and Konstantin Hristova handled everything throw at them. As the half wore on though, Rangers were now restricted to long range efforts and Louie Percival, Harvey Walker, Andrew Woodward and Jacob Lacey started to win more of the ball and propelled Thunder forward. One move, saw a pinpoint lofted forward pass from Louie Percival pick out Dominic Lawton who then found Callum Snaith who's shot was parried by the Rangers keeper. Luckily for Thunder though it wasn't a great clearance and the ever alert Dominic Lawton headed the ball into the corner of the net to put Beechy 1-0 up. Thunder were hoping they could hold that lead until the break but it wasn't to be, on the stoke of half time following another free kick to the hosts Rangers equalised.
To make matters worse just two minutes into the second half Shawclough scored again to lead 2-1. Despite the cruel setback, Thunder continued to play some great football and all Beechy's substitutes, debutants Lucas Madden, Taylor O'Brien, Andrew Woodward and Zac Sly who featured heavily in the game were highly impressive. At the end of a penetrating run into the Shawclough penalty area Andrew Woodward was fouled and the referee immediately awarded the spot-kick and it was fantastic to witness Andrew dispatching the penalty with aplomb to level the score at 2-2. Then with twelve minutes to go Birthday Boy Louie Percival broke clear from his midfield position to score Thunder's match winning goal. This was a brilliant start to the new season for Thunder and as a reward the whole team shared the Man of the Match honour.
*Bolton Lads Club were the Under 17's Tornadoes opponents for their first official fixture of the season and despite a slightly below-par performance Beechy collected the three points thanks to a 6-4 victory. Goal scorers for the Tornadoes in this Bolton Bury and District League Section A away game were Jeanny Blanc (Hat-Trick) Dillon Barnes, Leighton White and Ademola Olusanya.
*After travelling to play Chadderton Park Griffins the Under 15's Storm produced a brilliant all-round performance that helped them secure a 3-1 away win. Having moved to the North Bury Junior League Storm were allocated a place in the Premiership Division that will give them the opportunity to play against previously unknown opponents. Beechy earned three fully deserved points thanks to goals from Prince Idusuyi, Archie Cooper and Charlie Molloy. Named Man of the Match was Samuel Oludoyi.
*Playing their home games this season at David Lewis Playing Fields are Beechy Under 16's Tornadoes who drew 2-2 with FC Sharples. In the Bolton Bury and District League the Tornadoes dominated this Section D fixture throughout but three missed easy chances robbed them of victory. Jack Brady and Reda Alhumaidi scored the goals and the whole team shared the Man of the Match Award.
*A 6-0 away win over Davyhulme Park was just reward for the Under 14's Tornadoes. The teams were evenly matched in the first half hour of this Salford and Districts League Division 2 game until an own goal then a goal from Theo Valentine put the Tornadoes 2-0 up at the break. In the second half Charlie Mulvenna made it 3-0 then Beechy were awarded a penalty but the Davyhulme keeper saved the resulting spot-kick though the ball rebounded back to Jack Fitton and he netted the fourth goal. The Tornadoes continued to play some great football and in the closing minutes two goals from Justin Suele completed the scoring. It was a tough decision regarding the choice for Man of the Match but with the help of the players parents the award went to Christian Idusuyi.
*The Under 14's Storm started their new season in the Bolton Bury and District League with a Section C away game against Ladybridge Lions. Playing really well straight from the kick-off Storm were able to create a few good chances but they couldn't convert them into goals. But on the half hour mark Harry Patterson went on a clear run drew the keeper and squared the ball for Leo Barrett to add an easy finish for the opening goal. Ladybridge came back into the game in the second half before Beechy got on top again and courtesy of a good finish via his left foot Harry Patterson scored Storm's second goal. Beechy piled on the pressure and missed a few decent chances before Man of the Match Harry Patterson ran through the Ladybridge defence and this time with his right foot fired the ball home to guarantee Storm a fully deserved 3-0 victory.
*In their home game at Stott Lane with Swinton Cobras the Under 13's Lightning boys were 2-1 down at half time but a positive team talk at the interval worked wonders and showing great spirit Beechy eventually won this Division 3 fixture 4-3 but Lightning deserved to win by a greater score line after creating a glut of easy chances. Jake Barrington, David Oludoyi, Kyle Stafford and Daniel Williams got the goals and chosen as Lightning's Star Player was Matthew Corry.
*The Division 2 encounter between Beechy Under 13's Typhoon and Winton Wanderers Gladiators turned out to be a tremendously exciting match. Typhoon were the better team overall but they made a poor start and needed a Peter Ellis penalty save to keep them in the game. Trailing 2-1 at half time Beechy went 3-1 down shortly after but battling back Typhoon took the lead with only minutes remaining but unfortunately Winton Gladiators managed to score a late equaliser and the teams shared a 4-4 draw. Typhoon's goals came via Sam Henderson, Joseph Bothamley, Cole Winstanley and Ronan Mullen and every player contributed in a Man of the Match performance.
*Involved in a tough opening day Division 3 fixture were the Under 12's Storm (9v9) who beat Barr Hill Clubs away 5-4. Beechy took the lead through Oliver Cowley only to find themselves 3-1 down until another Oliver Cowley goal plus an own goal ensured Storm went into the break on level terms. In the second half Beechy produced a much improved performance and took a 5-3 lead when Michael Walsh was on target and Oliver Cowley completed his hat trick. A missed penalty and some poor finishing then a late fourth goal for Barr Hill ensured a nervy last five minutes for the Storm who chose Edward Lucas as their Best Player.
*In action on Sunday were the Under 12's Hurricanes (9v9) who were 2-0 down at half time in their Division 3 away game at Manchester Maccabi Warriors. Despite a spirited fightback and taking a 4-3 lead the Hurricanes eventually suffered a 6-4 defeat. Two goals from Dylan Walker plus one apiece by Rian Haines and Kane Wood made up United's tally and for his amazing saves Alfie Gridlestone received the Man of the Match Award.
*Beechy Under 12's Tornadoes (9v9) kick-off their season at Salford Sports Village with an impressive 3-2 home win over Bury Amateurs Lions. Fielding four debutants the Tornadoes quickly found their rhythm forcing their opponents to defend deep in their own half. Oliver Percival gave Beechy the lead after twelve minutes when he hammered the ball home following hard graft, determination and a great cross from Jack Duff. On nineteen minutes Tornadoes led 2-0 after Joel Thorndyke won the ball on the edge of the Bury penalty area, side stepped two defenders then accurately place the ball past the diving keeper. Tornadoes relentless pressure and penetrating forward play was a joy to watch as they created chances galore and Jack Duff opened his account with a fine solo effort than was no more than he deserved. Always a threat in his right wing position Jack showed real skill as he cut in from the touchline beat a couple of opponents and slotted the ball into the net to put Tornadoes 3-0 up at the break.
*Despite showing more intent in the second half Bury Amateurs still relied heavily on their keeper who kept them in the game producing vital saves when one-on-one with Oliver Percival, Joel Thorndyke and JJLowery. Bury Amateurs reduced the arrears and gave themselves a great chance of forcing at least a draw after scoring a second goal from the penalty-spot with ten minutes left. It remained 3-2 at the final whistle and after treating the spectators to a very entertaining game the Tornadoes celebrated a well deserved victory. Dan Ward had a impressive debut as keeper in the first half then Freddie Wardle keeper after the break showed some cool distribution as he started numerous attacks. Jace O'Brien worked tirelessly up front and was very unlucky not to be on the scoresheet on his debut as was JJLowery who slotted into his midfield role with ease. There was another solid midfield display from new Team Captain Edward Hughes, Ryan Crosby was a rock in the centre of the defence assisted by Aiden Lawton, Ashley Tonge and the tenacious Owen Hogben. Man of the Match was Oliver Percival who's skill and trickery was a constant threat to Bury Amateurs throughout this Division 2 encounter.
*Neighbours Moorside Rangers Yellows were the 11's Hurricanes opponents for their first 9v9 Blue Group fixture of the season. The Hurricanes went a goal down in the 7th minute after a free kick to Beechy was booted clear and Rangers opened the scoring following a counter-attack. But a minute later Hurricanes were back level when after a great run Henry Errington almost scored but he regained possession and played the ball back to Alfie Rostron on the edge of the area and via a great finish fired it home inside the right-hand post. Joshua Whitehead had to be substituted when his powerful run down the left flank was ended by a very heavy challenge but no free kick for Beechy. Dillan Caldwell was Josh's replacement and he was soon in action making a good headed clearance. Another cracking run from Henry Errington led to a chance for Enzo Patrick then a scissors kick by Alfie Rostron almost beat the Rangers keeper. Again Rangers counter-attacking almost resulted in a goal and though the ball hit the post the referee had already given an offside decision. Joshua Whitehead was back on the pitch as Jamie Maher took a breather. Superb interplay between Henry Errington and Enzo Patrick down the left wing after Oliver Williams had won the ball with a strong challenge on the halfway line but a shot by Henry flew just wide of the target. On twenty one minutes Rangers led 2-1 after yet another counter-attack and though Oliver Dalton-Bunker save the initial shot a Rangers striker netted the rebound. In this end to end encounter Rangers nearly added a third goal but this effort missed the target and hosts were still 2-1 up at the break.
*Into the second half and Jamie Maher nearly scored but his effort hit the side netting following good work from Oliver Hall then Beechy went close again after a another attempt by Oliver Hall brought a great save from the Rangers keeper. Alfie Rostron tried his luck but his fierce shot flew just wide of the far post. Rangers had a goal disallowed when Oliver Dalton-Bunker made a save and while he tried to smother the ball the Rangers striker managed to turn it into the net. The referee said he'd kicked the ball out of Oliver's hands so the Hurricanes had a lucky escape. Beechy equalised thanks to good work from Oliver Hall and Alfie Rostron who via his second goal of the game made it 2-2. With nine minutes left to play it was still end to end and with no further goals this cracking game ended with both teams having a share of the spoils. Henry Errington was Hurricanes Man of the Match with Alfie Rostron a close second. As the saying goes all the Beechy players ran their socks off and were unluckily not to secure a win.
*Following a hard fought home game with Winton Wolves the Under 11's Lightning (9v9) suffered a 6-4 defeat. In the Green Group both teams were very evenly matched but the luck was with Winton as twice efforts from Lightning players hit the post in the first half. Beechy's Man of the Match went to Finley Browning but special mentions go to Jai Devani-White for his well taken hat trick and Sean Cosgrove who scored Beechy's fourth goal courtesy of a spectacular long range strike.
*There was a tough start to life in the Blue Group for Beechy Under 10's Tornadoes who met local rivals Moorside Rangers Yellow. A change of formation didn't go according to plan and after a solid opening ten minutes Beechy looked tired and Rangers took advantage scoring a few goals. For the second half the Tornadoes reverted back to their usual formation and played with much more freedom and lots of hard running against quality opposition did pay dividends and goals by George Wadeson and Stewart Kay were Beechy's reward. The Tornadoes goal scorers shared the Man of the Match Award but there's a deserved mention for Dylan Courtney who was easily the teams best defender.
*Away to Manchester Bees in the Yellow Group Beechy Under 10's Lightning delivered a below-par display in their first official match of the 2019/2020 season and suffered a defeat. Lightning had early chances but couldn't put the ball in the net and after scoring two own goals and giving away two harsh penalties Beechy's task of recovery was a tough one. Deenraj Singh did grab a consolation goal for Lightning who's choice for Man of the Match was Brandon Booth.
*Rewarded for a great all-round performance in the Red Group were the Under 9's Storm. Stepping up to 7-a-side mini-soccer suited the Beechy players and Reuben Wardle, Roman Sandaji and Nathan Kay created a solid looking defensive trio. On target for the Storm who played Swinton Panthers at Beech Farm were Callum Norris who got two goals and Ethan Seddon.
*Making a cracking start to the new season were United's Under 8's Storm who played away at Deans Tigers in the Yellow Group and at the final whistle secured a high scoring victory. Following an evenly balanced opening period Deans took the lead with a good finish from just inside the area but Storm soon took control and thanks to Aiden Gradwell supplying the assists Man of the Match Archie Cooper helped himself to six goals. New signing Nathan Haines score two goals on his debut but the goal of the game came from Jacob Wood who burst through the oppositions defence before chipping the ball over the impressive Deans keeper.