After travelling almost thirty miles to play their latest FBT Manchester League Division 1 fixture Beechfield United went home empty-handed following a 5-2 defeat by Chapel Town but the score line failed to do justice to a gutsy display by Beechy who played for sixty five minutes with just ten players after a red card incident.
Chapel Town’s pitch was in excellent condition and United made a positive start but they found themselves a goal down after only seven minutes.
Chapel Town kept the pressure on United’s back four of Mike Rogerson, Rob Lockley, Patrick Beckett and Carl Ravenscroft and the home side had a goal disallowed before taking a 2-0 lead on 17 minutes. Beechy reduced the arrears when the ball was moved quickly down the left flank and an accurate low cross by Carl Ravenscroft found Dave Leach who produced a stylish side footed finish from just inside the area.
Chapel Town were awarded a dubious penalty but United’s stand-in keeper Luke Johnston reacted superbly when he saved the spot-kick taken by the home team’s number eight.
Displaying real character after being reduced to ten men Beechy produced some brilliant defending which frustrated Chapel Town who constantly used the long ball style of play. In the 55th minute Beechy were back level after quick thinking by Jamie Sinnott put pressure on a Chapel Town defender and United’s number seven won possession then showed great skill before firing the ball into the empty net.
In this hard fought contest free kicks galore were awarded to both teams and after a superb save by Luke Johnston foiled an effort by Chapel’s number nine the same player was on target putting the home team 3-2 up after 66 minutes.
Man of the Match Chris Ferris in midfield produced an inspirational display as United continued to adopt a never-say-die attitude and Beechy had chances to make it 3-3.
Craig Massey won a free kick and after the ball was floated into the area during a goalmouth scramble an effort from Alex Hunter was cleared off the goal line.
With United committed to all-out attack Chapel Town exploited gaps in their defence and they made sure of the three points with two more goals in the closing minutes.
Next Saturday United are in action in the Murray Trophy against Pennington FC. Kick-Off at Salford Sports Village is 3pm.
