Thanks to an impressive second half performance Beechfield United fought back from 2-0 down in their away game against Elton Vale to earn a point from a 2-2 draw.
On their excellent playing surface Vale made a positive start quickly putting heavy pressure on United’s back four of Mike Rogerson, Rob Lockley, Luke Johnston and Andrzej Browne.
The majority of Vale’s well-crafted attacks developed down the right flank but it was a move through midfield that led to the home teams opening goal in the 11th minute.
United’s keeper Robert Harrison was forced to sprint from his line to challenge for the ball with Vale’s No10 but it rebounded to a team mate who fired it into the empty net from the edge of the area. Beechy struggled to get a foothold in the contest though Dave Leach had the best chance of an equaliser but the Vale keeper made a smart save with his left hand.
Vale continued to dominate possession and increased their lead when their No10 who was their best player produced a great piece of skill to make it 2-0 after 27 minutes. Following a lengthy stoppage there was a slight improvement in United’s overall display but efforts from Craig Massey and Jamie Sinnott failed to beat the keeper and Beechy were relieved to hear the whistle for half time.
Showing better movement off the ball at the start of the second half United got a goal back in the 51st minute when Jamie Sinnott’s in swinging corner was met by Man of the Match Alex Hunter who headed the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Vale’s use of the long ball tactic was still evident throughout the period and United’s defensive quartet were at times tested to the limit.
Following a corner Vale’s No5 saw his powerful header rattle the crossbar and minutes later Beechy made a tactical change when Patrick Beckett replaced Steve Erskine with Rob Lockley moving into midfield.
The first class action moved rapidly from end to end and United’s equalising goal arrived after Dave Leach combined with Jamie Sinnott who’s curling cross dropped over the last defender but Craig Massey headed the ball back towards Alex Hunter and he reacted superbly to score via a glancing header.
In the last quarter-hour United were forced to produce some frantic defending and after Vale had a goal disallowed Robert Harrison rescued Beechy with two fantastic saves.
