Following five successive defeats in the FBT Manchester League Beechfield United’s 1st Team players received a pre-Christmas bonus thanks to a 3-2 home win over Wilmslow Albion.
In this Division One fixture there was real drama at the end of the match when Alex Hunter scored United’s match winning goal in the 94th minute.
United keeper Jordan Broxson was soon involved and Man of the Match Mike Rogerson produced a couple of vital headed clearances as a well organised Wilmslow Albion outfit made a positive start. At the end of a quick counter-attack in the fourth minute Alex Hunter forced a brave save from the visitors keeper but one minute later Beechy took the lead.
A move down the right flank featured Rob Lockley, Brad Sixsmith and Mike Leach who showed great composure as he executed a world class finish courtesy of a stunning volley. Both teams competed fiercely for possession and during another period when United faced heavy pressure Jordan Broxson responded with a fabulous one handed save.
Play switched rapidly from end to end and Brad Sixsmith was inches away from a goal after a great move involving Carl Ravenscroft and Steve Erskine then Jamie Sinnott came close to increasing the lead when he cleverly beat two opponents but fired the ball straight at the keeper.
Wilmslow Albion’s number ten who was easily their best player was a major influence and he forced another top-class save from Jordan Broxson as the visitors continually threatened to score an equaliser.
Wilmslow Albion eventually got back level on 41 minutes when United conceded a corner but Beechy were guilty of some abysmal defending allowing Wilmslow Albion’s No 9 who was left the opportunity to score an easy headed goal. Less than two minutes later United received a further setback when the visitors No 7 was gifted the chance to lob the ball into the empty net from about 40 yards. The match retained its frantic pace as the second half developed and despite a scrappy period of play Wilmslow Albion briefly dominated possession but United worked hard in all areas and responded with some high energy attacking football.
A long range effort by Jamie Sinnott grazed the top of the crossbar and Beechy were frustrated as they continually failed to find the finish after creating several decent chances. Wilmslow were always a threat on the counter-attack and United’s back four of Mike Rogerson, Patrick Beckett, Rob Lockley and Carl Ravenscroft took no risks using the first time clearance when under pressure.
A splendid effort from Steve Erskine hit the post just before Beechy equalised in the 74th minute when substitute Evan Jeffries won a free kick accurately taken by Jamie Sinnott who floated the ball into the area and in a crowded penalty area Rob Lockley headed the ball high into the net.
In the last fifteen minutes United stepped up a gear and taking control forced the visitors to defend deeper in their own half. A draw looked a certain outcome but with virtually their last attack the moral boosting win Beechy had craved for finally arrived.
Steve Erskine supplied a perfectly weighted pass that sent Alex Hunter racing up the left flank and United’s number eleven jinked his way past two opponents and though his first effort was saved by the keeper during a goalmouth melee he was first to the rebound and fired the ball into the net from eight yards.
