After being allocated no fixture in the Women’s Summer League Beechfield United Ladies arranged a friendly match against Stockport Ladies at Cringle Playing Fields and Beechy had just eleven players available for this match due to injuries and holidays.
Stockport Ladies who won the match 3-0 kicked-off the contest and forced a corner inside the first minute though United dealt with the early pressure. Beechy keeper Rachel Howarth made a great save as Stockport Ladies produced another strong attack but United responded and had a few attempts to beat their opponent’s keeper.
United kept attacking at every opportunity but conceded the opening goal when a backwards header by Rebecca Watkins was intercepted by a Stockport Ladies player who fired the ball over Rachel Howarth and into the net.
Beechy suffered a real blow when Beth Hewitt had to retire due a knee injury so with no substitutes available the remaining ten players had to battle on bravely.
United almost found an equaliser after forcing two corners and on both occasions Shauna Smith came close to scoring via two headers and Ashleigh Spragg and Alicia Stretton had goals ruled out due to offside. As the second period began Beechy struggled to get out of their own half as Stockport Ladies found their rhythm and attacking down both flanks were shooting from all angles.
United went 2-0 down when poor defending allowed a Stockport Ladies player a free run in from the right wing and she executed a fine finish sending the ball into the top left hand corner of the net. Tiredness suddenly crept into Beechy’s performance and Stockport Ladies got their third goal following a cross from the right flank and unfortunately the ball was turned into her own net by a United defender.
With six minutes remaining Beechy lost another player when keeper Rachel Howarth collided with the post and injured her ribs a similar injury that had kept her side-lined for eight weeks. Samantha Smith replaced Rachel and the nine Beechy players kept going till the final whistle.
Manager David Farrand was certainly pleased with his team’s performance as the Beechy Ladies displayed great character throughout and it was impossible to choose a Player of the Match so the award was given to the whole team.
Beechy’s Squad: Rachel Howarth, Lauren O’Neill, Gemma Winterburn, Shauna Smith, Samantha Smith, Ashleigh Spragg, Sue Howard, Beth Hewitt, Rebecca Watkins, Sophie Wainwright, Alicia Stretton.
