As Hurricanes welcomed a new team to the division would the new year start with a victory just as 2011 had finished?

Ryan (hot shot) Curran greeted SalfordVictoria’s captain and the referee at the centre spot to carry out the pre match formalities.

Hurricanes started the match the stronger team and began to apply pressure forcing the opposition back deep into their own half, Ben and James both going close but lacking composure just when it was required in front of goal.

Despite Salford’s lowly league position their passing and determination was beginning to restore the balance of play in their favour and Bradley “Zazuum” Smith had to leave the sanctuary of his area several times to clear Salford’s through balls, but it was Hurricanes who broke the deadlock when Ben Crowther bagged his tenth goal of the season and eased the mounting pressure on his team.

Salfordhit back soon after to level the score line 1-1 before Mathew Whiteside netted his first of the day and took Hurricanes in at the interval with a slight advantage at 2-1.

Even a stern team talk at half time could not seem to shake Hurricanes into any kind of fluency and their own passing game carried stuttering along. Thankfully Mathew Whiteside popped up with his second of the day to give Hurricanes a two goal advantage.

A realisation that this game still had life in it came when Salford hit back again to reduce the deficit to just one goal. Aware of the game slipping form them, Hurricanes released Bradley Zazuum Smith from between the posts (replaced by Ryan) to give the team some fresh energy. Shortly after the switch and after some neat passing down the right side Zazuum smashed the ball high into the roof of the Salford net from 12 yards to make the score line a more comfortable 4-2.

The game was put to bed after James Murphy collected the ball a few yards from the halfway line and outpacing the defender slotted his shot passed a diving keeper for his first goal of the season and Hurricanes fifth.

Final result 5-2, a score line that rather flattered Hurricanes on  today’s performance but having played far better and leaving with nothing in the past Hurricanes will take the three points and move on to next weeks fixture.

No MotM was awarded for today’s game . However good performances were noted by Lucas Warburton, Mason Gregg and of course Zazuum.

Challenge cup 10.12.2011

Hurricanes go marching on!

A convincing 4-1 victory against Swinton Lions sees Hurricanes into the next round of the challenge cup for the first time in many years.

Up for the challenge despite being without Bradley Zazuum Smith their regular keeper a returning Kia Leonard (broken arm) stood in for the absent Zazuum as skipper for this game.

From the whistle Kai started accurately passing the ball out to both wings, something that had been lacking from their game in the last few weeks and so Hurricanes were able to create the first of many openings. Ben Crowther again looking determined up front was revelling in the service he was getting from the wide positions and although straying off side too many times the eagerness was clear to see.

Hurricanes gained advantage with a sweet move started by Kai who played a beautiful pass out to Mathew Whiteside on the right wing who in turn played in a cross that was gratefully received by Ben and dispatched accordingly. Swinton then brought the scores level when a long range shot headed goal wards.  Harry Grimshaw (stand in keeper) seemed to have it covered but unfortunately he could only parry the ball upwards into the net. It was the first time Harrys hands had touched the ball since kick off!

Hurricanes much deserved second goal again started by Kai who this time played in Elliot down the left flank. He looked up and playing a one two with Ben sent in a deeper cross that found Mathew unmarked inside the box, letting the ball bounce once he then riffled his shot over the keepers head to give Hurricanes a 2-1 advantage to take to the interval.

After having a great first half in the centre of mid field Josh Finney swapped his shirt for the keeper’s jersey and let his teammate Harry out from between the posts. James Murphy replaced Elliot on the left flank and he continued to press the Swinton back line sending in crosses and even a few shots on goal. Hurricanes were again in the ascendency with the back line consisting of Daniel, Lucas, Mason and a more than determined Ryan all standing firm against any Swinton attack. Could Hurricanes score more goals to put this cup tie to bed?

Of course they could, with this much domination and possession it was only a matter of time, another well taken goal from Ben to give him his 9^th of the season and another by Mathew to take his total to 7th gave Hurricanes a 4-1 advantage. The score line should have been more with Ben, Keane and James all  firing straight at the keeper when a little more composure was really needed (some people are never satisfied).

A really enjoyable cup match in which both teams played their part. Two fairly even sides but it was Hurricanes who will be in the draw for the next round and there opponents will be either De La Salle Devils or Swinton Lions bigger brothers the Jaguars both of these teams from division 1.

When all the team play like they did today it becomes very difficult to choose a MotM. Ben and Mathew both on the score sheet, Harry and Josh for stepping in when their team needed them (in goal) Lucas in the heart of defence putting in another solid performance, for his sheer passing ability Kai was in the reckoning. However there was one player who never put a foot wrong today and if only his 40yard run and dribble had ended with a goal it would have made this choice easier. Ryan (hot-shot) Curran tackled, headed, cleared, .dribbled, blocked and passed his way to today’s MotM award making it his second of the season.

]]> http://www.beechy.net/2012/01/hurricanes-go-marching-on/feed/ 0 http://www.beechy.net/2012/01/youth-cup-glory-for-u11s-storm/ http://www.beechy.net/2012/01/youth-cup-glory-for-u11s-storm/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:19:03 +0000 Keith Long http://www.beechy.net/?p=2111 Congratulations go to the Under 11s Storm who made it through to the Semi-Final’s of the MCFA Youth Cup. In the Quarter-Final’s United who faced Glossop North End away fully deserved their 2-1 victory. Beechy produced a brilliant first half display and led 1-0 at the break courtesy of a goal from Jordan Coates. In the second period Glossop North End looked better organised and were rewarded with an equalising goal but United stepped up a gear and Jordan Coates was on target again with the match winner. Ethan Haynes and Jace Winspear shared the Man of the Match Award. In the Semi-Final’s Beechy will play Dukinfield Youth on Sunday 18th March 2012.

Keith Long (Club Secretary)

Playing their final match before the Christmas/New Year break Beechfield United’s First Team had to settle for a 2-2 draw following a Lancashire and Cheshire League Division 3 away fixture at St Margaret Mary. On a narrow pitch that didn’t help United’s style of football Beechy went a goal down but they increased their work rate and quickly got back on level terms. Andy Wilson and Nathan Brady were involved in a superb move and Mark Willis delivered a curling cross for Paul Worley who dived between two defenders to head the ball into the net. United stepped up a gear in the second half and severely tested the St Margaret Mary’s defence and they held firm until Worley and Steve Edwards combined to set-up Dave Goodwin who put Beechy 2-1 up. More chances were created but United failed to add to their tally and against the run of play conceded a soft second goal late in the game. The 3rd Team produced their best display so far this season in the away game at Moston Brook. A willingness to work hard for each other was a big feature of Beechfield’s performance and that made Manager Barry Minshull one happy man. There were several candidate’s for the Man of the Match Award including Andy Howells, Darren Minshull and Steve Foster. Goals by Dave Leighton and Duncan Roden secured United a fully deserved 2-1 victory.

United kept a another clean sheet when they neat Manton Wanderers 6-0 at home. In this Manchester Saturday Morning League Division 1 fixture Beechy were slightly disappointed because they had enjoyed a greater share of the ball but were only 1-0 up at half-time via a goal by Mark Carney.  A few tactical changes were made by Manager Graham Rothwell and Assistant Jim Walsh and United suddenly fired on all cylinders in the second half and Manton Wanderers had no answer to United’s all-round strength and ability. Roy Owen (2) Wes Pierce (2) and Phil Heyworth added further goal’s but United should really have hit double figures. (5/11/2011)

Three vital points were secured following a 2-0 victory over Smedley Rangers. At Salford Sports Village conditions were perfect for football and both teams quickly found their rhythm as they moved the ball about with both speed and accuracy on the artifical surface. Man of the Match Daniel Eckersley foiled promising attacks by Smedley Rangers on at least five occasion’s as the visitors grew in confidence. Following a goalless first half Beechy made the vital breakthrough after 51 minute’s when Roy Owen and Phil Heyworth were involved in a brilliant move that ended with Kyle Wray finding the net from close range. Play continued to move rapidly from end-to-end then in 67th minute the referee awarded Smedley Rangers a dubious penalty but their No 5 saw his spot-kick hit the post. United’s defence survived a few anxious moments before the second goal arrived on 78 minutes courtesy of an exchange of quick passes between Owen and Wes Pierce and is was the latter who displayed great skill as he cleverly took the ball past the keeper before producing a perfect finish. (12/11/2011)

After a poor first-half performance against Torpedo Chorlton a below-par United trailed 1-0 at the break but they quickly got their act together and dominated the second forty five minutes. In the second period Beechy who won the match 3-2 created some excellent attacking football and Mike Heyworth equalised from the penalty spot then thanks to a well executed half-volley Wes Pierce added the goal number two and Mike Heyworth made it 3-1. Torpedo Chorlton grabbed their second goal in stoppage time. Voted Man of the Match was Full Back Andy Lord. (19/11/2011)

No excuses were offered by Manager Graham Rothwell after United lost 6-0 away to Brushes Rangers Spartak. (26/11/2011)

Thankfully United quickly returned to winning ways when they beat HBC Villa 7-2. Beechy made a whirlwind start taking the lead in less than twenty seconds and were 4-0 up at half-time. In the second half  HBC Villa scored two goal’s totally against the run of play but United were always in control and collected three easy points. Mark Carney received the Man of the Match Award while the goals came via Phil Heyworth (2) Mike Heyworth, Kyle Wray, Wes Pierce, Dave Harrison and Dean Quinn. (3/12/2011) Currently United occupy third spot in the Division 1 table.

Beechy moved up to second place following a 1-0 home win over Brownley Albion. But United were less than impressive and were guilty of casually wasting possession throughout the contest. The visitors keeper made several outstanding saves especially in the first half but he was beaten in the 51st minute when Phil Heyworth produced a neat piece of skill with the ball before hammering it into the net from about 25 yards. Both Chris Lucas and Daniel Eckersley were outstanding in defence but it was the latter who was voted Man of the Match. (10/12/2011)

For the second time this season Daniel Hickey carried out the formalities at the centre circle earning the captains arm band for his terrific display last week.

In the first ten minutes Hurricanes carved out more chances than Barr Hill but the now on form, Ben Crowther had lost his sight on goal and as normal Hurricanes fell behind to a well taken strike that gave Hurricanes keeper Bradley no chance of stopping. Another goal from Barr Hill making it 2-0 and Hurricanes found themselves exactly where they have been too many times this season. Though 2-0 down they were still creating chances and having seen the forwards and mid field unable to breach the Barr Hill goal it was left to a defender to spark a response. When Mason Gregg intercepted a lose ball 15 yards from the half way line no one could have foreseen the eventual outcome. Looking up and seeing a gap he pushed forward and with no opponent coming near carried on with his run, eventually meeting Barr Hill’s midfield, he dipped his shoulder and skipped by two players and moved towards the box.  Again just like a slalom skier he glided around another two players and now with only Barr Hill’s giant keeper to beat he pulled the trigger. Oh what a let down the shot was but it took the keeper by surprise and he could only parry the soft shot back out in front of him. Masons momentum still took him forward and he gratefully dispatched the rebound from the keeper into the awaiting net just where his first strike should have gone. A terrific mazy run and goal from the little defender. The half time whistle blew soon after but thanks to Mason’s goal Hurricanes were back in the game at only 2-1 down.A goal keeper switch for the second half saw Josh Finney don the keeper’s jersey thus releasing Bradley Smith for a full half. Anyone reading this (and is of a certain age) that remembers the Banana Splits will remember a cartoon within the programme called The Arabian Knights, one of the many creatures was a donkey called Zazuum and when its tail was pulled it went into a whirlwind of frenzy and feared by its opponents. Bradley (Zazuum) Smith set about the pitch terrorising his opponents with his tenacious tackling and sheer determination. Not content with playing one position out on pitch Bradley decided he would play them all and he did!

So it took another defender to bring Hurricanes level. A Hurricanes corner that was only partly cleared found an awaiting  Ryan (hotshot) Curran who bagged his sixth goal of the season with a powerful low shot that went under the diving keeper.  Finding themselves back on level terms Hurricanes should have pushed on but unfortunately Zazuums teammates couldn’t match his performance and they allowed Barr Hill to net another two goals to end this contest and run out 4-2 winners.Lucas Warburton had a fine game in defence and Josh Finney played admirably in goal allowing Zazuum to have his run out. To pick up MotM for just 30mins was remarkable and should be an example to the rest of the team (a point the management will no doubt remind the team). So picking up his second MotM award and a new nickname Bradley Zazuum Smith was given a well deserved round of applause.

Dan W stepped up to replace missing Lewis in goals and did a sterling job.  Making as many great saves throughout the game as he missed.  Dan F had a quiet game compared to recent ones but still showed great strength.  Nick covered well at the back when Cam or Dan were committed out on the wings.  Elliot slotted in front of the defensive 3 but often found himself wandering a little too far forward.  Ellis battled well in centre mid but was often smothered by their players.  Louis did exceptionally well out on the left wing – great pace, nice little bits of skill and some superb crosses.  Sam had a good game, although a little more quiet than usual.

First 5 minutes were entertaining, we played with conviction and did what we could.  After a few goals though heads dropped a little and we were often cut through the centre of defense far too easily.  Dan often found himself one on one and did well as he could.  We pushed forward when we could but struggled to fully operate as a single unit.

Second half and we continued to battle, even in the face of certain defeat.  At times though there were some great pieces of football and we (well, Louis) were rewarded with a goal for our efforts in the second half.  More chances on goal were thwarted by their keeper.  Ellis had another chance to score with a penalty in the second half but decided to shoot straight and the keeper decided not to dive this time.

Kenan (not mentioned before) dropped back a little to help out defense and earned a deserved man of the match for some touch challenges from the smallest player on the team and the odd bit of skill to take on the attacking Boothstown.   He played the entire match and covered a lot of ground which was a feat in itself given the weather conditions too -  well done son!

We play Boothstown next week at SSV in the second stage of the knock-out Challenge Cup.  Hopefully with a fuller squad and a little more fire we can redress today’s scoreline.  Winner of that match goes through to play Flixton or Moorside who are the 2 teams above us in the table and then on to the quarter final.