There was a further extension to Beechfield United’s postponed fixtures list due to the continuous adverse weather. Several teams in the Junior Section have not played a game for nine weeks.
Similar to previous weekends the handful of games that were played went ahead on Artificial Surfaces.
Beechfield United Under 12’s Storm extended their unbeaten run in the Salford and Districts League to seven games and currently hold a six point lead at the top of the Division 1 table following a 6-0 win over Deans Sports Athletic.
Despite an early kick off and the frosty conditions United’s home game played at Walkden High School proved to be a great advert for 9v9 football. The match started at a frantic pace with both teams passing the ball around well on the 3G Astro Pitch but Beechy played with a bit more style and aggression and had three good chances before eventually taking the lead. Great link-up play between Jack Thompson and Bobby Anderson resulted in the latter racing clear and though his effort forced an excellent save from the Deans keeper Billy Wadeson scored from the rebound. United continued to produce wave after wave of attacks and keeping the pressure on their opponents were rewarded when following some good play down the left flank Jack Thompson made it 2-0.
Deans struggled to get a foothold in the match as Beechy continued to dominate possession and it was no real surprise when after a one-on-one with the keeper Bobby Anderson scored the third goal. The Storm made a few team changes at half time but it didn’t halt their momentum and the Deans keeper was soon in action again making numerous saves. A fantastic finish from Bobby Anderson added goal number four and knowing that they had made the game safe Beechy played with total freedom. Midway through the second half Deans had their first shot on target but United’s keeper James O’Donnell who was virtually a spectator made a comfortable save. United’s fifth goal came via another composed finish by Billy Wadeson then Harry Gartley was on target when he completed the scoring. Man of the Match was Jack Thompson.
In action for the first time since the end of October last year were the Under 12’s Tornadoes (9v9) who met Moorside Rangers Yellow at Salford Sports Village. This Division 3 encounter was highly entertaining throughout and the Tornadoes secured the three points thanks to a 2-1 victory. Best Player was Lucas Allen and goals for Beechy were netted by Joe Staley and Max O’Brien who scored courtesy of a superbly executed free kick.
At Our Lady’s RC Sports College in Blackley the Under 11’s Thunder (9v9) played Fives Athletic. In a much more disciplined performance chances for Beechy were few and far between in the first half. Fives Athletic took some of the chances they created and held a 2-0 lead at half time. In the second period United worked hard to create scoring opportunities but once again they struggled to put the ball in the net.
Star players Jacob Lacey and Ishor Badgai excelled in defence making some great tackles and vital interceptions. Gradually Beechy’s overall play improved and they reduced the arrears via Louie Percival following a mistake by the Fives keeper but Fives added a third goal with less than five minutes to go to claim victory. United’s players must be credited for producing a great display in difficult conditions because the temperature was below zero throughout the game.
The Under 9’s Hurricanes moved their Development Group Purple Division home game to Eccles College and enjoyed another emphatic victory. For the second time in two weeks the Hurricanes opponents were Woodbank JFC and the Beechy lads produced another brilliant all-round performance. Man of the Match Josh Clough, Ben Morris, Oliver Coles and Tom Worthington got the goals.
Re-discovering the winning formula were the Under 9’s Storm who were away to neighbours Moorside Rangers Yellow at Moorside High School. On target with goals for Beechy were Freddie Jackson, Alfie Gee, Oliver Percival, Josh McLoughlin and the teams Star Player Caden Gibson who also hit a hat trick.
In the Development Group Green Division the Under 9’s Lightning travelled to play Winton JFC. Despite a hard working all-round display United failed to score a fully deserved consolation goal. Voted Man of the Match was Liam Peers.
Away to Ladybridge Lions the Under 8’s Hurricanes were involved in a twelve goal thriller. At one stage in this Development Group Yellow Division match the Hurricanes found themselves trailing by four goals but they produced a superb fight back and forced a draw thanks to a last gasp equaliser. Cobey McCormack, Jayden Walker, Edward Lucas, Brett McWilliams and Ashley Tonge fired in the goals. The teams Best Player was Owen Bolton.
The prolific Kylan Twigg was an automatic choice for the Under 7’s Storm’s Man of the Match Award following the Development Group Yellow Division away game against Barr Hill Diamonds. Kylan produced the highlight of the match when he scored six of United’s seven goals while Ellis Adamson was on target with the other goal.
On the 3G Astroturf Pitch at Beech Farm Playing Fields United’s Under 7’s Tornadoes were in action against Moorside Rangers Blue. Following this Development Group Green Division fixture Josh Jemmett collected the Star Player Award.
