By Keith Long
In the FBT Manchester Football League Beechfield United kicked-off the 2015/2016 season with a 5-2 home win over Chadderton Reserves.
Dominating the first half of this Division 1 contest United produced a superb all-round display and held a 4-0 lead at the break. Quickly putting pressure on their opponents Beechy created numerous chances and Alex Hunter, Luke Johnston and Dave Leach all came close to opening the scoring.
Following more brilliant attacking football Brad Sixsmith eventually gave United the lead in the 8th minute after being set-up by Man of the Match Jamie Sinnott. The visitors had a genuine appeal for a penalty turned down and Chadderton’s number 11 11 had a chance to equalise before Beechy went 2-0 up after seventeen minutes.
Chris Ferris and Jamie Sinnott combined in midfield and after beating the offside trap Brad Sixsmith raced clear and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper, a basic error by a Chadderton defender gifted United their third goal when Dave Leach collected a pass from Brad Sixsmith and he created the perfect angle before producing a cool and accurate finish.
Quite simply Chadderton had no answer to United’s powerful play and Beechy added their fourth goal on 28 minutes courtesy of Alex Hunter. The visitors continued to produce a spirited performance despite the score line but United remained in control and should have increased the lead before half time.
It was a different story in the second period because after Beechy led 5-0 via a goal from Dave Leach Chadderton grew in confidence and created a spirited fightback forcing United’s back four that included Mike Rogerson who gave another impressive to deal with some heavy pressure. Keeper Rob Harrison who was virtually a spectator in the first half was suddenly in action and he responded superbly with three top-class saves.
Chadderton’s number 8 reduced the arrears when he netted an easy headed goal following a corner and after conceding a second goal United suddenly looked disinterested in the game. A swerving free kick taken by Chadderton’s number 9 rattled the crossbar during a period when United conceded far too many unnecessary free-kicks in their own half and though Beechy created a few decent counter-attacks in the latter stages they failed to find the finish to some decent chances.
