Beechfield United Ladies played their final game in Manchester FA’s Women’s Summer League against Manchester Girls with both teams needing a victory to win the league title.
The match was played at the Platt Lane Complex Fallowfield and from the kick-off a nervous looking Beechy outfit struggled to get into the game.
Enjoying a greater share of the ball Manchester girls caused real problems for United and keeper Rachel Howard was called into action but she confidently dealt with shots on target and crosses from both flanks.
Beechy slowly got a foothold in the game and both Alicia Stretton and Sophie Wainwright came close to putting United ahead with decent shots on target but it was Manchester Girls who grabbed the lead following a defensive mix-up that left a Manchester Girls player with an easy finish.
During the half time break the Beechy Ladies were introduced to their new team coach who issued instructions on how he wanted them to play in the second half and United responded superbly producing a vastly improved performance.
But it’s goals that win games and Beechy couldn’t find a way to beat the opposing keeper and taking advantage of another piece of slack defending Manchester Girls scored again to secure a 2-0 victory and claim the title forcing Beechy to settle for runner’s up spot.
United’s Player of the Match was Rachel Howard.
Beechy’s Squad: Rachel Howard, Lauren O’Neill, Gemma Winterburn, Shauna Smith, Rebecca Watkins, Sue Howard, Ashleigh Spragg, Sophie Wainwright, Alicia Stretton, Rachel Mallard, Faye Cassidy, Beth Hewitt.
