Beechfield United played North Walkden in their latest pre-season Friendly Match and following a below-par display suffered a 2-1 defeat.
United’s opponents from the Lancashire Amateur League made a blistering start and putting heavy pressure on United’s back four of Andrzej Browne, Mike Rogerson, Luke Johnston and Carl Ravenscroft took the lead in the 11th minute.
A move developed down the left flank and after North Walkden’s No10 played the ball into the area it deflected off an unlucky Beechy defender and flew into the net. Against a well organised North Walkden outfit United struggled to get a foothold in the contest and failed to put one shot on target in the opening twenty five minutes.
Finally a slick move involving Steve Erskine, Alex Hunter and Craig Massey almost produced an equaliser but an effort from Chris Ferris drifted wide of the target. But a hard working North Walkden side continued to dominate the first half and they fully deserved their 1-0 lead at the break.
In the second period Beechy quickly found a better attacking rhythm and creating numerous chances eventually got back level when Rob Lockley and Craig Massey combined and a defenders headed clearance was met by Jamie Sinnott who hammered the ball home from 20 yards. Robert Harrison rescued Beechy with three fantastic saves just before United were awarded a penalty but a mishit spot-kick by Craig Massey was easily saved by the keeper.
Both teams continued to compete fiercely for possession and producing another period of quality attacking football North Walkden kept the pressure on United’s back four and grabbed a match winning goal courtesy of the No10 who was easily their best player.
United’s Man of the Match was Jamie Sinnott.
