Beechy Reserves battle with cross-bar!
Beechfield United’s Reserve team ended their topsy-turvy Manchester Football League season with a 1-0 away defeat at Manchester Gregorians Reserves. United’s brave attempt to avoid relegation was all in vain because despite amassing ten points from their previous four games they finished in bottom place in the Division Two table.
The match was played on a 3G Astroturf Pitch at Platt Lane the home of Manchester City’s Academy Teams but United who had a strong line up on view made a slow start and Manchester Gregorians had chances to take the lead in the opening quarter hour.
Gradually Beechy found a better rhythm and started to play with more confidence and both Alex Hunter and Stephen Griffiths came close to giving United the lead then a superb effort by Steve Erskine beat the keeper but the ball hit the crossbar and bounced back into play. In the 27th minute Manchester Gregorians got their match winning goal courtesy of the long ball tactic and though their centre forward appeared to be in an offside position when he received the ball he raced clear of United’s defenders and was left with an easy finish.
In the second half United dominated possession and with Man of the Match Steve Erskine and Stephen Griffiths controlling the midfield area an equalising goal seemed a certainty.
A shot from distance by Aaron Dennis left the keeper stranded but the once again the crossbar rescued Manchester Gregorians who relied heavily on a well organised defence as United piled on the pressure and Beechy were still attacking as the whistle went for full time.
Beechfield United Football Club is a Community Charter Standard football club in Swinton, Manchester - providing coaching, playing and development for all players from under 7s through to open age.