The official website for Beechfield United

On Monday 3rd July 2006 Swinton Funeral Director Mike Bridgford was named as Beechfield United Football Club’s Honorary President replacing David White the former Manchester City and Leeds United footballer. During his time with BUFC Mike worked tirelessly behind the scenes and his generosity and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Along with Rick Stephenson of Co-op Funeral Services Mike sponsored and supported the club providing kits and end of season trophies for the annual Presentation Events.

A Sportsman’s Dinner was held in the Lion of Vienna Suite on Friday 21st October 2005 at the Reebok Stadium home of Bolton Wanderers FC. Guest Speaker was Frank Worthington the former Wanderers, Leicester City, Huddersfield Town and England player. The host for the evening was James H Reeve who was a broadcaster on Piccadilly Radio and GMR. On the Menu was Potato and Sweetcorn Soup, Roasted Leg of Lavender Studded Lamb (Served with Chef’s selection of Vegetables and Potatoes) Strawberry Cheesecake, Coffee & Mints.

In October 2005 Beechfield United Under 15s lost an amazing 25 goal cup tie with Moorside Rangers. Following the normal forty minutes each way plus extra time the team’s were level at 8-8 but United went down 5-4 after a penalty shoot-out. Including the penalties United’s goalscorers were Luke Smith (4) Rob Lowe (4) Matthew Ward (2) Gary Bethall and Luke Perry.

At the Bolton Boys and Girls Federation League Presentation Evening United’s Youth Team players received their trophies after finishing runner’s-up in the Under 18s Division and  beaten finalists in the Jubilee Cup. There was an extra reason to celebrate because Alex Brogan was voted the league’s Under 18s Player of the Season.

In January 2006 Alex Brogan, Daniel Eckersley, Sean Watson and Tom Staff played key roles in the Bolton Boys Federation Inter League side’s 2-1 victory over the South Lancashire Youth League. All four players were highly praised for their ‘top class’ performances by Team Manager Steve Cunningham.

On Saturday 11th March 2006 Beechfield United’s First Team got off to a winning start following their debut game at their new headquarters. The Senior Section team’s were now based at Salford Sports Village and would play all their home games on the 3G Astroturf Pitch. In the Lancashire and Cheshire League’s Premier Division United produced a brilliant all-round display against Bedians and thoroughly deserved their 2-0 victory. Straight from the kick-off Beechy created some some superb attacking football and the visitors defence was given a torrid time but Steve Ellison, Michael Fraser and Richard Jackson wasted easy chances in the opening quarter hour. United continued to dominate possession and eventually took the lead after 38 minutes when a neat move down the right wing involving Luke Mather and Ellison ended with Darren Bates supplying an excellent finish. Bedians general play improved as the match resumed after the break but they failed to produce a single direct shot on target. In the 57th minute United were awarded a penalty for handball but Luke Mather saw his spot-kick easily saved by the Bedians keeper. Despite the setback Beechy’s emphasis was to continue with an all out attack policy and once again the Bedians defence faced another period of heavy pressure. The second goal arrived on 83 minutes when Martin Capstick who was outstanding in midfield provided an inch perfect pass for Luke Mather who raced clear and curled the ball low into the net past the advancing keeper. United could have added further goals but were delighted with their performance on the artificial surface.

Ben Lockett was on target with a deserved equalising goal for the Under 8s Tornados who drew 1-1 with Swinton Boys.Voted M.O.M. was Joshua Wiseman. There was a magnificent display by the Under 10s Tornados goalkeeper Daniel Hesling but United lost 2-1 at home to Swinton Boys. Lewis Dolan netted the consolation goal. Matt Holloway, Finney Cassidy, Aaron Drummond, Jamie Forshaw, Callum Howells, Josh Woolley, and Chris Davenport were the goalscorers for the Under 11s who strolled to an emphatic 7-0 home win over Moorside Blue. Five of United’s goals came in the second half. Seven days earlier keeper Michael Cottrill was in superb form when United lost 1-0 to De La Salle. The Under 12s were twice a goal down in their away game at Bowlee Juniors but inspired by a Man of the Match performance from Nathaniel Skilling Beechy took the points with a 3-2 victory. Goals came via Jordan Storey (2) and Samuel Wiseman. (25/3/2006)

In the final weekend of April 2006  the Under 11s and 12s were involved in Supplementary Cup final’s both played at Ayrshire Road Salford. The Under 11s gave a below-par display and lost 2-0 against Moorside Red (Team Manager – Shane Flanagan) The Under 12s who also met Moorside Red suffered a 4-3 defeat. On target were Mark Raymond, Dean Manley and Jordan Storey. (Team Manager – Neil Howcroft)

The Under 10s Storm were crowned City of Salford Soccer League Division 2 champions following a thrilling 3-1 win over Monton Boys. Joseph Crossley (2) and Sam Newton scored the goals. (Team Manager – Colin Bridgford)

In the Bury and Radcliffe Junior League the Under 16s won the Challenge Cup. United produced a solid display in the final played at Oldham Town’s ground and deserved their 4-1 win against Summerseat Athletic. On target were Oliver Dunn, James Brierley, Jack Tierney and Luke Martin. (Team Manager – Andy Wilson)

The Under 10s Storm played Irish visitors Naas AFC twice within forty eight hours. On Friday 21st April 2006 a Mini-Soccer game was arranged then two days later the teams met again but this time they played an 11-a-side match. The following match report was provided by Team Manager Colin Bridgford.

Naas AFC edged a very competitive 11-a-side friendly 2-1. Beechy had the best of the first half and opened the scoring through Joseph Crossley and for long periods the match was evenly balanced. Naas managed to score an equalising goal just before half time.  There were changes in United’s midfield for the start of the second half but it was the visitors who looked stronger in that area of the pitch and regained the lead. Following a corner the ball deflected into the air off a Naas player and a team mate had the easy task of scoring with a close range header. Beechy had several chances to get back level again and they were robbed when Harry Dolan’s low drive beat the keeper but the ball stuck on the goal line in the mud, luck of the Irish and on St George’s Day. On behalf of the Management Team at Beechfield United I would like to thank all the players and parents who contributed to a weekend hospitality and friendship. I am sure we will take up the offer of a visit to Dublin for the away fixture.

Issued on 12/5/2006 were the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League’s final tables. United’s 1st Team finished in fifth place in the Premier Division, the 2nd Team were sixth in Division A a while the A Team ended their season occupying bottom place in Division D.

A Planning and Development Evening was held on Friday 19th May 2006 at the Reebok Stadium. Start time was 6.30pm. ‘ Free Food and a Free Bar’ was provided during the evening.

Beechfield United Under 10s Storm were crowned Division 2 champions in the City of Salford Soccer League. Credit must go to Team manager Colin Bridgford and Assistant Paul Hanratty who received valuable support with training and help on match days from Phil Crossley, Rob Bryan and Alan Hesling. All parents deserve a huge pat on the back but most importantly the players are the ones who were at the forefront of this major success and thanks to some superb performances Beechy remained unbeaten throughout the campaign. The squad was as follows :- Declan Tasker, Alex Walker, Jack Sands-Filer, Lee Dalby, Nathan Hamer, Christian Hancock, Daniel Melody, Liam Waite, Jack Chester, Joseph Crossley and Sam Newton (Team Captain)

The Mini-Soccer/Junior Presentation Evening was held at The Reebok Stadium in the Lion of Vienna Suite on Friday 9th June 2006. Club Chairman and Master of Cermonies Ged Goodwin presented the trophies  to :- U/7s Storm – PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Craig Davenport MANAGERS MERIT AWARD – Kieran Doyle SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR – Thomas Donnelly  U/7s Tornados – POTY – Ben Ellis MMA – Kyle Lawler  SOTY – Jack Grimes  U/8s Storm – POTY – Callum Fisher  MMA – Daniel Wilson  SOTY – Dion Wallis  U/8s Tornados – POTY – Ben Lockett  MMA – Jordan Smith  SOTY – Mossie Cassidy  U/9s – POTY – Joel Sharples  MMA – Jessica Lockett  SOTY – Jack Ryan U/10s Storm – POTY – Alex Walker  MMA – Sam Newton  SOTY – Jack Chester U/10s Tornados – POTY – Harry Dolan  MMA – Ashley Sykes  SOTY – Lewis Dolan U/11s – POTY – Finley Cassidy  MMA – Liam Parker  SOTY – Tom Tuohy  U/12s – POTY – Jordan Storey  MMA – Nathaniel Skilling  SOTY – Mark Raymond  U/13s – POTY – Nathan Jones  MMA – Luke Scully  SOTY – Chris Harris  U/14s – POTY – Ben Rothwell  MMA – Scott Ramage  SOTY – Lewis Holland  U/15s – POTY – Gary Bethel MMA – Gary Wood  SOTY – Paul Smith  U/16s – POTY – Alex Walton  MMA – Tom Carlton  SOTY – Jamie Sinnott.  COLIN RODEN AWARD (Manager of the Year – Neil Howcroft)  BARRY SALISBURY AWARD (Individual of the Year – Mike Hill) BRIDGFORD SHIELD (Team of the Year – Under 10s Storm)  DEVELOPMENT AWARD – Kondi Mututa

COLIN RODEN TROPHY (Team of the Year) U/7s – Louis Duff  U/8s – Matthew Wood  U9s – Ellen Sides  U/10s – Jack Sands-Filer  U/11s – Josh Wholley  U/12s – Nathan Sands-Filer  U/13s – Mason Pithers  U/14s – Tom Standen  U/15s – Tom Heenan  U/16s – Stephen Evans. MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Neil Howcroft.

Details of the 2006 6-a-side Tournament. Under 8s Winners – FC Hyde Athletic (A) Runners-Up – FC Hyde Athletic (B) Under 9s Winners – Middleton Boys Red R/U – Middleton Boys Blue Under 10s Winners – Fletcher Moss Blue R/U – Cadishead Sports Under 11s Winners – Stretford Victoria R/U – De La Salle Under 12s Winners – Astley Bridge Boys R/U – Abraham Moss Warriors Under 13s Winners Mosley Common R/U – Bolton Lads Club Under 14s Winners – Langworthy Juniors R/U – Medlock Rangers Red Under 10s Girls Winners – Manchester City Ladies R/U – Barr Hill Under 12s Girls Winners Manchester City Ladies R/U – Denton Town.

Beechfield United FC were Manchester FA Development Club of the Year and Salford Sports Council Club of the Year – Runners-Up 2005/2006.

Ged Goodwin was named Salford Sports Council’s “Unsung Hero” 2006.

The First Team were looking for a new manager for the start of next season. Due to work commitments Chris Ellison was forced to step down.