But seven days later United lost 2-0 at Salford Sports Village to Fives Athletic. This Bridgewater Office Supplies Manchester Football League Division 1 fixture was a fiercely contested and sometimes explosive encounter. The first half was evenly balanced and both teams worked hard to retain possession but it was Fives Athletic who made the vital breakthrough in the 43rd minute. They won a corner and after the ball was curled into the area United’s defence fell asleep allowing the visitors tall No 5 a free run across the area and he planted a header into the corner of the net. United used all three substitutes in the second period but continued to waste possession far too easily though they also created periods of good quality attacking football. Fives Athletic added their second goal in time added on. Luke Martin was United Man of the Match. (17/09/2011)

Beechy were in action against neighbours Salford Victoria in a rearranged fixture on 24/9/2011. United made the best possible start when they went ahead in the 4th minute after a move involving Andrzej Browne and Jamie Sinnott ended with Man of the Match Tom Carroll curling the ball home from just inside the area. Minutes after Gareth Mooney had seen his looping header hit the crossbar Salford Victoria got back level via Scott Daniels who blasted the ball into the net from about 20 yards. United regained the lead on 48 minutes thanks to a superb individual goal from Paul Wilson and though Salford Victoria looked the better team during the latter stages they failed to find a second equaliser. Taking advantage of a defenders unforced error was Gareth Mooney who made it 3-1 and guaranteed Beechy the three points late in the game.

United travelled thirty miles for their next match against Chapel Town FC. In heatwave conditions Beechy displayed a high level of fitness throughout the contest and took a deserved lead in the 18th minute. M-O-M Tom Carroll opened the scoring courtesy of a diving header then it was soon became 2-0 thanks to a superb goal by Gareth Mooney. Chapel Town relied heavily on their overworked defence in the second half and though United should have scored at least five more goals they were happy with just one more when Tom Carroll completed the scoring when he neatly flicked the ball past a stranded keeper from close range. (1/10/2011)

A 5-4 home win over Rochdale Sacred Heart kept United in the Division 1 title race. This nine goal thriller was packed full of top quality football and spectacular goals with both goalkeepers making several superb acrobatic saves. Despite the luxury of racing into a 2-0 lead given to them by Jamie Sinnott and Gareth Mooney United were given a stern test by a well organised Rochdale Sacred Heart side. The visitors got a goal back on 27 minutes and throughout the contest they created some outstanding soccer on United’s 3G pitch at Salford Sports Village. Early in the second half United went 3-1 up when Steve Erskine produced a brilliant pass between two defenders and Mike Leach timed his run into the area to perfection and curled the ball into the net from about ten yards. But two minutes later Rochdale Sacred Heart were rewarded with their second goal via their No3′s superbly executed free kick but minutes later he turned from hero to villan.  He made an illegal challenge in the area giving the referee no option but to award United a penalty and Mike Leach easily converted the spot-kick for 4-2. Another stunning free kick earned the visitors goal No3 in the 65th minute and briefly Rochdale Sacred Heart dominated possession forcing United to do some serious defending. Tim Taylor and Luke Martin made several desperate clearances and keeper and Man of the Match Rob Harrison produced a world class save just before Beechy led 5-3 when Mike Leach completed his hat-trick. Rochdale Sacred Heart still found time to score a fourth goal and United faced a nervous three minutes of added time before they could celebrate. (8/10/2011)

When they turned their attention to the Manchester Challenge Trophy United couldn’t have foreseen the nightmare ninety minutes they endured in the Round 1 tie against Wythenshawe Town. United who had home advantage had to switch the match to a grass pitch but at the final whistle they could offer no excuses for their woeful performance. Wythenshawe Town received an easy passage into the next round of the competition after taking advantage of some abysmal defending by United. After leading 2-0 at half time they punished United even further in the second period and cruised to a 5-0 victory. (15/10/2011)

In Division 3 Beechy Reserves were away at Breightmet United Reserves on 10/09/2011 and due to various reasons four key players were unavailable. Beechy’s makeshift team struggled throughout the match and suffered a 2-0 defeat. A bizarre own goal by Dave Simmons gave Breightmet the lead in the 49th minute and the home side added their second goal on the hour mark. Peter Reid was voted Man of the Match.

United who drew 4-4 with Springhead Reserves at Salford Sports Village were punished for some poor defending in the first half and found themselves trailing 4-1 after only 32 minutes. Anthony Wallis had put United ahead in the 14th minute but the visitors were gifted four goals including one from the penalty spot. The fightback began on 38minutes when James Brierley completely baffled the keeper via a superbly executed spot-kick then Jamie Fawcett made it 4-3 just before half time. The second half was more evenly balanced and though Springhead continued to threaten via some fast counter attacks Beechy didn’t waste possession this half and deservedly made it 4-4 courtesy of Anthony Wallis who shared the Man of the Match Award with Steve Crowe. (24/09/2011)

In the return fixture against Breightmet United a well organised and hard working United gained revenge over their opponents thanks to a 4-1 victory. After making a positive start United deservedly went infront in the 20th minute when during a goalmouth scramble defender Richard Farnie hammered the ball into the corner of the net. Three minutes later an outstanding individual goal by Steve Crowe made it 2-0 and United continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the first half. Peter Adams carved out the opportunity for Jamie Fawcett who netted the third goal. Breightmet United forced Beechy to be more defensive early in the second period and the visitors grabbed their consolation goal on 51minutes. Beechy gradually regained control and Man of the Match James Brierley almost helped himself to a hat-trick but it was left to substitute Michael Keane to complete Breightmet’s misery when he scored a spectacular fourth goal in the closing minutes. (8/10/2011)

A superb display especially in the second half  by United went unrewarded when they lost 1-0 away to AFC Bury Reserves who’s winning goal arrived midway in the first half. Despite totally dominating the second period Beechy continually failed to find a way to beat the agile AFC Bury keeper. Following his brilliant midfield performance Anthony Wallis won the M-O-M vote. (15/10/2011)

They kicked-off their league campaign with an away game at Wilmslow Albion and thanks to a well disciplined performance thoroughly deserved their 2-0 victory. Wilmslow Albion created only a handful of half-chances in the match and their constant use of the long ball tactic failed to unsettle United’s superbly organised back  four of Luke Mather, Gary Wallis, Andrzej Browne and Man of the Match Luke Martin.

Dave Leach opened the scoring midway in the first half and Paul Wilson guaranteed the three points when he added the second goal in the 73 rd minute.

In their first midweek fixture Beechy met Chapel Town at Salford Sports Village and once again played some brilliant football that helped them secure another 2-0 victory. Gareth Mooney gave United the perfect start after only 5 minutes and the visitors were chasing shadows as Beechy totally dominated the opening twenty five minutes.

But United relaxed their grip on the game and as Chapel Town grew in confidence they came close several times to scoring an equalising goal. A scrappy period of play developed at the start of  the second half but gradually United regained control and shots from distance by Jamie Sinnott, Brad Loughrey and Eddie Carroll tested the ability of the Chapel Town keeper.

In the 84th minute following a quick counter attack a neat angled pass by Carroll set-up Paul Wilson and though Chapel Town’s defenders appealed for offside the Beechy winger timed his run to perfection and raced clear before hammering the ball low into the corner of the net. The Man of the Match Award went to Andrzej Browne.

Three days later United took over as Division 1 leaders following a 1-0 home win over Atherton Town. In an entertaining contest both teams moved the ball about impressively on the artificial surface. Neither keeper was tested during the early stages and the nearest United came to getting a goal arrived when Luke Martin made a powerful run out of defence and created an opportunity for Tony Weall who thought he had scored but the ball hit the post.

An hectic pace was maintained throughout the second half and Atherton Town who continued to look a well organised outfit always threatened to grab the lead especially from free kicks and corners. There were fine individual performances for Beechy from Gary Wallis, Jamie Sinnott, Gareth Mooney and Steve Erskine and United’s winning goal arrived in the 70th minute when Brad Loughrey was blatantly fouled by a defenders rash challenge and Tony Weall cooly converted the resulting spot-kick.

United’s second evening game took them to Leigh Sports Village to take on Leigh Athletic and Beechy returned home with all three points thanks to an emphatic 5-1 victory. On a first-class playing surface United’s all-round teamwork especially in the first half was outstanding. They held a 3-0 lead at the interval courtesy of goal’s from Luke Mather, Gareth Mooney and Brad Loughrey and the home side were quite simply outclassed.

After a stern lecture from their Manager Leigh Athletic started to play with more confidence and self-belief and dominated possession for a ten minute spell forcing United to do some serious defending. Suddenly United regained control and scored their fourth goal when Eddie Carroll and Gareth Mooney combined and the latter produced an exquisite finish from just inside the area. Leigh Athletic who were reduced to rare counter attacks got their consolation goal minutes later but United soon recovered from the setback and substitute Aaron Dennis with his first touch neatly played the ball onto Man of the Match Luke Mather who blasted it past the keeper from the narrowest of angles.

The home game with Wythenshawe Town was packed full with top-class soccer but United will want to forget the result in a hurry because they conceded three penalties and gift wrapped their opponents the three points. Beechy took the lead in the 22nd minute when Jamie Sinnott’s inswinging corner was met by the unmarked Tim Taylor and he headed the ball into the roof of the net. But three minutes later Wythenshawe Town were back level after being awarded the first of their three spot-kick’s.

United kept their composure and continued to create some moments of excellent football with both Brad Loughrey and Steve Erskine in midfield giving superb performances. Early in the second half  far too many stoppages threatened to ruin an enthralling contest but luckily this didn’t spoil a match that you couldn’t take your eyes off. Jamie Sinnott was unlucky not to score when his quickly taken free kick left the keeper stranded but the ball struck the base of the post. Minutes later United went infront for a second time courtesy of substitute Mike Leach but once again the lead only lasted for three minutes when Wythenshawe Town won penalty number two and despite a brave attempt to get to the ball by Beechy keeper Rob Harrison the visitors No 10 made it 2-2.

The same player completed his hat-trick of spot-kick’s in the 77th minute and though United had chances of a dramatic equaliser after creating a late attacking surge they were forced to accept defeat when they conceded a fourth goal just minutes from the end.

Included in the United line-up was keeper Neil McLoughlin who had previously played for the club a few season’s ago and he had showed his ability with a couple of fine saves early in the match but he couldn’t prevent Wilmslow Albion taking the lead in the 19th minute. Looking for a quick reply United started to threaten more via some good counter attacks and with the midfield trio of Steve Erskine, Danny Rowcroft and Gareth Mooney enjoying more of the ball an equalising goal wasn’t far away.

It finally arrived after 37 minutes following a move involving Dave Leach and Mooney who’s low drive was pushed out by the keeper but his brother Mike was ideally positioned to fire the rebound high into the net. Ninety seconds later United went 2-1 up when Rowcroft set-up Dave Leach on the edge of the area and the team’s leading goalscorer produced a cool and accurate finish as the keeper tried to narrow the angle.

The second half was only two minutes old when Wilmslow Albion made it 2-2 following a basic goalkeeping error and they went 3-2 ahead thanks to a spectacular goal by their No7 who hammered the ball home from 35 yards. United briefly played the better football but fell even further behind midway in the half.

After making a couple of tactical changes Beechy were committed to all out attack and obviously left gaps in defence and Wilmslow Albion threatened to run riot in the last fifteen minutes. In the 83rd minute United made it 4-3 after being awarded a penalty and David Leach easily converted the spot-kick to set up an exciting  finish. Man of the Match was Jamie Sinnott.

United quickly return to winning ways and moved up to third place in the table after a 4-2 home win over Elton Vale. Using a 4-5-1 system United went ahead in the 20th minute courtesy of a brilliant goal by Steve Erskine who hit the ball with the outside of his right boot from 30 yards and it flew past the keeper hitting the netting under the crossbar.

Elton Vale who looked a confident and well organised outfit moved the ball about impressively on the artificial surface at Salford Sports Village and had chances to score an equalising goal on several occasion’s. Somehow United survived and were still 1-0 up at the interval. They made a positive start in the second half and there were some fine individual performances especially from Steve Erskine and Brad Loughrey who shared the Man of The Match Award.

Another goal was need to settle the nerves and United won a penalty in the 75th minute for a blatant foul on Dave Leach who gave the keeper no chance as he hammered the ball high into the net. A free kick to Elton Vale led to the visitors getting a goal back but United quickly regained control and substitute Mike Leach restored Beechy’s two goal advantage.

It soon became 4-1 thanks to Dave Leach but Elton Vale continued to create some neat attacking moves and United had some serous defending to do in the last fifteen minutes. The visitors second goal arrived following another superbly executed free kick.

After making a sluggish start United went ahead in the 21st minute and led 2-0 seven minutes later courtesy of two goals by Trevor Walsh and the Wilmslow Albion defence faced immense pressure as Beechy dominated possession. The visitors who had created only a few worthwhile attacks somehow managed to get a goal back shortly before half time.

United quickly regained control as the second half developed and added goal number three via David Leach and when Gareth Mooney’s brilliant goal made it 4-1 after 58 minutes a comeback by Wilmslow Albion appeared to be rather remote. But without warning United became complacent and relaxed their grip on the match and suddenly Wilmslow Albion started to play with more freedom and belief.

Following a corner they scored their second goal after United were guilty of some woeful defending and the alarm bells started to ring when Wilmslow Albion made it 4-3 in the 84th minute. United survived a tense last few minutes and collected three valuable points. Man of the Match was Neil Lancaster while both Tim Taylor and Steve Erskine played well throughout.

The Reserves who drew 3-3 with Royton Town (A) almost tasted a rare victory after leading 3-0 at the interval thanks to goals from Gary Wallis, Steven Griffiths and James Brierley. United produced some brilliant football in the first half of this Division 3 fixture but as the heavy pitch began to deteriorate in the second half their quick and accurate passing game became less effective.

Royton Town who had reverted to using the long ball tactic started to reap the rewards when they scored three goals in quick succession but they were lucky to draw this match after being outplayed by United for long periods. United’s Man of the Match Award went to Lee Buckley.

The Saturday Morning Open Age team returned to winning ways after their away game at Chadderton FC. Following two successive home defeats a 1-0 victory gave United an eight point lead at the top of Manchester Saturday Morning League’s Second Division.

In a highly competitive encounter Chadderton FC looked the better side in the first half but United dominated the second period and Dean Quinn was on target with the match winning goal. Keeper Dan Lee had a superb game but it was full back Andy Lord who was voted Man of the Match.

Wythenshawe Amateurs who produced some superb football throughout the match made a confident start and had the luxury of taking the lead in the 8th minute. Following a corner United were guilty of some woeful defending allowing the visitors No 7 an easy headed goal from about 10 yards. United struggled to contain their talented opponents and stand-in keeper Lee Wallis made at least five great saves in quick succession.

Chances of an equaliser for Beechy were rare and shots from distance by Steve Erskine, James Brierley and Andrew Traverse all drifted wide of the target. Knowing they needed an improved performance United briefly showed better attacking idea’s early in the second half but they continually failed to find the end product after creating some easy chances.

Slightly against the run of play Wythenshawe Amateurs were gifted their second goal when several United defenders were given the opportunity to clear the ball out of the danger zone but somehow following a goalmouth scramble it ended up in the back of the net. Another three outstanding saves by keeper and Man of the Match Lee Wallis during the last fifteen minutes made sure United didn’t suffer a heavier defeat.

United made a positive start and took the lead in the 9th minute when a superb accurate long pass by Jack Fitzgerald set-up Jamie Sinnott who displayed some dazzling footwork before blasting the ball into the roof of the net. Another goal looked a certainty for Beechy but against the run of play Chapel Town equalised following a rare mistake by keeper Paul Bentley.

Chapel Town were reduced to ten men in the 34th minute after a harsh red card decision and suddenly the match was ruined by far too many stoppages. United found themselves trailing 2-1 just four minutes into the second half when Chapel Town were awarded a penalty. But Beechy were soon back level when central defender Tim Taylor sent the ball deep into the area and David Leach who was left unmarked easily beat the keeper from about eight yards.

A triple substitution was made by United Manager Richard Jackson that saw Steven Griffiths, David Walker and Danny Rowcroft replace Luke Mather, Tim Taylor and recent new signing Brad McDougall. Despite the re-shuffle and having an extra player on the pitch United failed to match Chapel Town’s commitment and energy level.

The home side’s match winner arrived in the 98th minute courtesy of a slick move down the right flank and United’s defence was caught napping allowing the ball to be forced home from close range. United launched a series of powerful attacks in the second period of extra time but they failed to find another goal and force a possible penalty shoot-out and had to make the long journey home empty-handed. United’s best player’s were Man of the Match Luke Johnston and Steve Erskine.

Both teams wasted possession in the early stages and scoring chances were few and far between. United finally made the breakthrough in the 19th minute when Steve Erskine engineered the move with a well delivered long ball downfield. Despite an accomplished performance the Salford Victoria No5 was caught napping  just outside the area allowing Trevor Walsh the luxury of an easy and decisive finish for the opening goal.

Salford Victoria went in search of an instant equalising goal but they continually found United’s defence in a less than generous mood and after Beechy had a goal ruled out for offside the remainder of the first half was ruined by a combination of offside decision’s and petty fouls.

The second period was slightly more entertaining and briefly Salford Victoria looked the better team until United edged 2-0 ahead thanks a quick counter attack down the left flank. Trevor Walsh was given both time and space to set-up David Leach who’s low right foot drive was half stopped by the keeper but the ball eventually rolled into the net.

Once again Salford Victoria displayed some good attacking ideas and United keeper and Man of the Match Paul Bentley made a couple of fine reflex saves just before substitute Gareth Mooney made sure of victory when he scored the third goal about seven minutes from the end.

On a superb playing surface United kicked-off against Elton Vale using a 4-5-1 system and were forced to do some serious defending in the opening quarter hour. Slowly Beechy found a better rhythm and went ahead in the 28th minute following a move masterminded by Steve Erskine and Trevor Walsh who held off a couple of strong challenge’s and set-up David Leach for a simple close range finish.

Elton Vale created a few decent chances as they searched for an equaliser but they lacked a natural goalscorer and any efforts that were on target were easily dealt with by United’s keeper Paul Bentley. United looked more fluent after reverting to a 4-4-2 formation as they increased their workrate and committment.

They went 2-0 up on 86 minutes when a lightning counter attack involving Erskine, Aaron Dennis, Gareth Mooney and Leach ended with Trevor Walsh hammering the ball past the keeper with the outside of his left foot. Three minutes later the Elton Vale defence were torn apart again when Walsh who was close to the halfway line cleverly played the ball between three defenders onto David Leach who raced clear and easily beat the advancing keeper.

A couple of team changes were needed for the match verses Rochdale Sacred Heart but United still had enough quality and they produced another slick and hard working performance despite going a goal down inside ten minutes. It took United just five minutes to get back on level terms after Jamie Sinnott and Trevor Walsh combined and David Leach slotted the ball past the keeper from about eight yards.

United became rather frustrated after producing some excellent football because the majority of their best moves fell victim to Rochdale Sacred Heart’s offside tactic. But in the 25th minute United went 2-1 up and once again Sinnott was heavily involved with a neat ball over a defender that found Leach who unselfishly sent it into the path of Trevor Walsh and his finish was both cool and decisive.

During the last ten minutes of the first half and the early stages of the second period Jack Fitzgerald was a key figure in a United defence that had started to concede far too many unnecessary free kicks. Helped by some accurate long kick’s by their keeper Rochdale Sacred Heart were hopeful of finding an equalising goal but United had other ideas and secured victory with their third goal after 82 minutes.

It was Andrzej Browne who sent the ball with both pace and accuracy downfield to David Leach and United’s current leading goalscorer appeared to have a clear run but he was fouled just inside the area. The referee who was well positioned awarded Beechy a penalty and Leach took the spot-kick himself sending the keeper the wrong way before celebrating in his own unique style.

After a rather slow start United began to take control and went ahead in the 12th minute following a piece of superb skill and spectacular finish provided by Jamie Sinnott. As both teams competed fiercely for the ball free kicks galore were awarded by an overworked referee. With Man of the Match Steve Erskine, Jack Fitzgerald and Danny Rowcroft dominating the midfield it was only a matter of time before Beechy added a second goal.

It finally arrived in the 47th minute when Gareth Mooney’s neat through ball found central defender Tim Taylor unmarked inside the penalty area and his acrobatic finish left the Fives Athletic keeper grasping at thin air. The home side suddenly faced a United outfit full of confidence and eager to score more goals.

United led 3-0 after 70 minutes courtesy of a long and accurate kick by keeper Paul Bentley and watching the ball bounce at the other end of pitch was substitute Andrzej Browne who held off a defenders strong challenge and drilled a low shot into the corner of the net.

As they continued to created more dazzling moments of high quality football United added a fourth goal when Jamie Sinnott cleverly beat the offside trap and unselfishly set-up the other substitute David Leach who sidefooted the ball home from close range.

On a superb playing surface United created some memorable football but they were continually let down by some erratic finishing. Chapel Town were gifted the opening goal in the 18th minute and somehow they still held their slender lead at half time. United had the better of the early exchanges in the second period though they allowed Chapel Town the luxury of taking a 2-0 lead against the run of play.

United made a couple of substitutions and this had a major effect on the remainder of the match as Beechy pulled a goal back when Gareth Mooney finished off a fast flowing move by hammering the ball into the corner of the net from 20 yards.

The Chapel Town keeper was now forced to work overtime but he was powerless to prevent United’s equalising goal scored by Jack Fitzgerald and during an hectic last few minutes brave defending by the home side robbed United of  a victory they really did deserve. Man of the Match was Tim Taylor.