With outstanding fixtures still to be played before the end of the season Beechfield United Ladies were involved in a double-header of thirty minutes each way against Reddish Ladies who were hoping to win both games therefore keeping up their challenge for the Greater Manchester Women’s League Division One title.
In the first game Reddish attacked United straight from the kick off and the Beechy Ladies struggled to come to terms with their opponents robust style of play. Beechy did created several useful moves and had a few shots on target but it was Reddish who took the lead in the 17th minute following a corner that resulted in a goalmouth scramble and the ball was forced past United keeper Rachel Howarth.
More good play from Beechy down the right flank involving Vicky Kerr, Sue Howard and Hannah McAdam almost produced an equaliser then Gemma Winterburn attempted to beat the keeper but she fired a free kick wide of the target. On twenty six minutes Emily Walmsley had to retire due to an injury following a strong tackle and took no further part in the game.
Beechy displayed more aggression in the second half but they conceded a needless free kick and thanks to a lucky rebound Reddish went two goals up but displaying real self-belief United kept attacking and two efforts one hitting the crossbar from Gillian Wallis deserved to reduce the arrears. Play continually switched from end to end and Reddish always looked capable of getting another goal but they were happy to settle for a 2-0 victory.
Beechy Ladies adopted a different approach to the second game making much stronger tackles and forcing Reddish to defend against some powerful attacks.
On six minutes United won a corner and Vicky Kerr played the ball to Faye Cassidy who moved it onto Gillian Wallis and the Beechy striker who was stood in the middle of the area unleashed a cracking drive and the ball flew past the keeper and into the net. Both teams put in a tremendous amount of hard work and there was some great defending from United especially goalkeeper Rachel Howarth who made several top-class saves.
Beechy were still holding their 1-0 lead at the break but at the start of the second half they had to deal with a barrage of Reddish attacks as the visitors increased the pressure in an attempt to get an equalising goal.
There were lots of tired legs and Beechy were forced to constantly change their formation due to injuries and eventually Reddish found an equaliser and in the last five minutes the visitors keeper was in United’s area trying to score.
Manager David Farrand said this was his team’s best performance all season.
The players involved were : Rachel Howarth, Lauren O’Neil, Sue Howard, Gemma Winterburn, Samantha Smith, Emily Walmsley, Hannah McAdam, Vicky Kerr, Gemma Ottiwell, Gillian Wallis, Sophie Wainwright, Debbie Wright, Rebecca Watkins, Shauna Smith, Faye Cassidy.
