Beechfield United were in action in the Manchester County FA Saturday Challenge Trophy but they made an early exit from the competition when they lost 3-1 at home to Wythenshawe Town an outfit from the Hallmark Security Cheshire Football League.
Having reached last season’s final United were obviously confident of a repeat performance but their hopes were shattered following a low-key display. Both teams contributed to a lively start in this 1st Round tie and in the opening few minutes Beechy were guilty of conceding far too many unnecessary free kicks. In the 9th minute Wythenshawe’s number nine jinked his way into the penalty area and thought he had opened the scoring but Luke Johnston rescued United with a brilliant goal line clearance.
Minutes later United’s first real quality attacking move was only ruined when Alex Hunter was judged to be offside by a keen eyed linesman. The visitors No11 caused United’s defenders all sorts of problems and Beechy’s No1 Robert Harrison was the busiest of the two keepers but he displayed a safe pair of hands on numerous occasions. Beechy kept creating decent chances and both Brad Sixsmith and Ryan Williams were just off target with long range efforts then on the half hour mark United went a goal down.
Guilty of some slack defending Beechy allowed Town’s No8 enough time and space to drill the ball low into the net and the same player had an easier chance to score again just sixty seconds later. United’s back four were caught napping again in the 35th minute and Town’s No11 made it 2-0 despite appearing to be in an offside position when he received the ball.
Both teams continued to compete fiercely for possession and Beechy were obviously gutted to find themselves two goals down at the break. Attacking down both flanks at the start of the second half Town quickly put United under pressure and on 55 minutes Beechy made a couple of changes with Jamie Sinnott and Steve Erskine replacing Ryan Williams and Craig Massey.
Six minutes later United reduced the arrears through Mike Leach who collected a great through pass from Chris Ferris and fired the ball into the bottom corner of the net and United enjoyed their best period of play following the goal and working hard had several chances to get an equaliser. But some excellent counter-attacking football from Town put the pressure back onto United and Man of the Match Rob Lockley was a key figure in an overworked defensive quartet.
Robert Harrison showed his ability with a couple of world class saves but he was unable to prevent Town for adding their third goal after 76 minutes. Still believing they could rescue the tie Beechy produced a powerful attacking surge in the last few minutes but Town defended resolutely and were able to book their place in the second Round.
In their away game against Parswood Thursday the Saturday Morning Senior team were guaranteed the three points when they led 5-0 at half time. David Harrison gave United the lead in the 11th minute then three minutes later Tim McQueeney made it 2-0.
As they dominated the match Beechy carved out chances galore and courtesy of another quality finish Tim McQueeney scored the third goal then on 21 minutes Chris McCartney put Beechy 4-0 up with his first goal of the season. Four minutes before half time David Harrison was on target again when he netted the fifth goal to complete a miserable first forty five minutes for the home team.
Producing the highlight of the contest was United’s Man of the Match Damon Whitbread who completed the scoring when he hammered the ball past the keeper from 25 yards in the 68th minute.
