This was expected to be a difficult tie as Beechdale sit top of the table with just two losses all season. Panthers started quickly as they usually do these days but so did Beechdale, forcing a corner in the first minute which fortunately came to nothing. However, Panthers raced back up field and on two minutes Tyler opened the scoring with a crisp shot that you might have missed if you blinked (0-1). Moments later, Panthers had the ball again and forced a corner which Beechdale cleared. The pace was quick but Panthers were managing to retain possession and on six minutes, a goal mouth scramble saw a Panthers player (not sure who) force the ball over the Beechdale goal line (0-2). After cheering very loudly, this reporter was slightly in shock. For a two minute spell, Beechdale found their feet and began pressing but Damian, Lewis and Oscar dealt with the threat extremely well and a timely interception from Louie prevented a Beechdale striker from unleashing a shot. On ten minutes, a long goal kick from Josh was knocked on by Louie but Tyler could not quite gain enough control and the Beechdale keeper grabbed the ball off his toe.
Half Time 0-2.
The second half continued as the first. Straight after the kick off, Tyler shot, forcing a great save from the Beechdale keeper and resulting in a corner which unfortunately found the side netting. Two minutes later Louie sent a long throw into the box which Beechdale just about dealt with but a moment later Tyler regained possession, weaved through the defence and scored calmly to make it 0-3. Beechdale were quite possibly in a position they’ve never been in before but one of the reasons they are top of the table, clearly, is their persistence and over the next five minutes, Panthers defence had to work very hard with Josh pulling off several good saves. Eventually, Beechdale broke through and scored (1-3). The game was now more even as Beechdale searched for another goal but Panthers still managed to gain a free kick just outside the Beechdale box in the 23rd minute which Louie took but their keeper saved well. Then, just after another Beechdale attack, which Panthers managed to clear from just in front of goal, Louie broke free and scored with a superb shot to make it 1-4.
Full Time 1-4.
An impressive all round performance by everyone. A team effort to be proud of.
Beechdale Juniors 1-4 Wyrley Panthers
Goals (22) Tyler (2′,17′)
Unknown (6′)
Louie (26′)
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