POSTED: September 30 2022 15:51:23 By Keith Long - Impressive Display Earns Beechy Ladies 3-1 Win


Beechfield United Ladies resumed their Greater Manchester Womens League Division One fixtures with an away game against AFC Stockport Lionesses and thanks to an impressive display won the match 3-1.

*On a poor pitch Beechy kicked-off the game and good defending by Krystal Hayward, Shauna Smith and Megan Mirfield easily dealt with a couple of early attacks from the hosts. Beechy's stand-in keeper Joanna Szafranska confidently judged the bounce of the ball on the uneven surface following a half volley from Stockport's No15. A long range effort by Stacy Partridge was saved by the hosts keeper just before Beechy took the lead when they were awarded a penalty for handball in the 6th minute. Jess Lawson scored from the resulting spot-kick for 1-0 and suddenly Beechy looked a greater threat going forward. Full back Julie Ward who had an excellent first half exchanged passes with Becky Topping and fired the ball off target as Beechy began to created some decent chances.

One again some solid defending from Megan, Shauna and Krystal denied Stockport's valid attempt to find an equalising goal. At times play got bogged down in midfield but Beechy continued to enjoy a greater share of the ball as they looked to increase their lead. Both Amie Barratt and Aimee Greenwood were heavily involved in the midfield action and the latter linked-up with Julie Ward and Becky Gregory in a promising move that won Beechy a corner. Joanna Szafranska produced another piece of good goalkeeping when Stockport Lionesses counter-attacked and on one occasion the hosts No11 after a solo run fired the ball wide.

A superb through ball by Stacy Partridge sent Jess Lawson racing clear but Beechy's main striker saw her fierce drive hit the post. Krystal Hayward who had produced a fine display suffered a slight injury and was replaced by Monique Pollard who was soon in defensive action. Beechy went 2-0 up in the 35th minute with a fantastic goal via a move down the right wing when Jess Lawson supplied a brilliant forward pass onto Becky Gregory and Beechy's No15 added a sublime finish from a tight angle. More top-class defending from Julie, Megan, Shauna and Monique kept the hosts at bay and Beechy continued to dictate the pace of the game as the referee ended the first half.

Early in the second half the hosts had the ball in the Beechy net but the Stockport No18 was in an offside position when she received the ball. A brief period of scrappy play developed as both teams wasted possession but the game soon became more entertaining and a shot on target from the hosts No8 deflected off a Beechy defender forcing a fine reaction save from Joanna Szafranska. An inch perfect pass by Monique Pollard set-up a chance for Jess Lawson who's curling effort from outside the area flew just wide of the target. Stockport Lionesses reduced the arrears after winning a corner and during a goalmouth scramble somehow the ball found its way into the Beechy net.

Quickly back on the attack Beechy created a few decent forward moves and Becky Gregory sidefooted the ball wide after great play between Monique Pollard, Aimee Greenwood and Becky Topping. Beechy added their third goal when Monique Pollard angled a brilliant long pass that sent Jess Lawson on another surging run and Beechy's leading goalscorer kept her balance before firing the ball past the keeper. Jess had the chance of an hat-trick but she blasted the ball over the crossbar following a through ball from Amie Barratt. Stockport Lionesses worked hard moving the ball much quicker around the pitch forcing some safety first defending from Beechy's Player of the Match Megan Mirfield, Julie Ward, Shauna Smith and Monique Pollard.

Beechy keeper Joanna Szafranska was also kept busy in the latter stages of the game confidently dealing with efforts from Stockport's No23 and No28. During a late Beechy attacking surge Becky Gregory, Aimee Greenwood and Becky Topping were involved in some neat passing moves. On Sunday 2nd October 2022 Beechy have a Division One home game when they meet Tiki Taka Women's team at David Lewis Playing Fields.





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