Beeches win place in Senior Charities Cup semi-final (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Beeches win place in Senior Charities Cup semi-final

AN excellent team performance has put Beeches through to their first Senior Charities Cup semi-final for several years.

The result was built on a strong defence with Wayne Sanderson and Steve Jackson outstanding and a hard working midfield.

This reduced Northway to very few chances with Mark Stephens in the Beeches' goal having his quietest game to date.

Northway, who had lost only one game this season, were expected to win comfortably.

Even so, Beeches, who had already knocked out one of the favourites - Shipton - 6-1 in an earlier round, were in no mood to follow the form book. Beeches started very brightly and could have been in front after just five minutes.

Nigel Barry had a great shot brilliantly pushed on to the bar by the keeper and was wide with the follow-up when it was knocked back across goal.

Playing with the wind, Northway defended deeply with a back three and wing backs, but didn't make the most of the elements.

The support for the front men was poor and Beeches were able to pick off the attacks and mount counter attacks which were more incisive than their opponents.

Nick Rutter combined well with Richard Smith and new signing John Hathaway down the left.

Smith, player-manager for the day, with Saul Ricketts and Hathaway kept possession well in midfield and created several openings.

When Smith broke through, he couldn't find a shot to beat the keeper. Robbie Hopkins had a shot saved and, when Chris Robinson broke on the right, his cross evaded Hathaway.

Northway gained several corners which for once this season Beeches defended well. Just before half-time, Northway had their best chance, but the No 10 lobbed over Stephens and, thankfully, the bar as well.

In the second half, Beeches took control for long spells. Robinson caused havoc every time he received the ball on the right, but the final cross evaded the forwards or was just cleared by Northway's excellent centre- half. With 25 minutes to go, it was Robinson who broke the deadlock. Instead of attacking down the outside, he moved inside and unleashed a tremendous shot which sailed into the far corner.

Mark Lee, who had a super second half at right-back, had a crack and, unfortunately, found the keeper from 30 yards.

He then produced a great cross which the elusive Hathaway couldn't quite head into the net from the left corner of the six- yard box.

But Northway were dangerous down the left all the second half and gained a vital corner with 15 minutes to go.

The cross was good and the header from the incoming No 5 was powered unstoppably into the net.

The centre forward was then foiled by a brilliantly timed last-ditch tackle from Sanderson.

Beeches weathered the storm and for the last ten minutes looked like the only winners.

Victory was duly achieved when Hopkins just reached a through ball by Smith to touch it past the keeper in the 85th minute.

There were no more alarms and Beeches were deserved victors in a game played in a great spirit and well marshalled by the referee.

Corinium Motors man of the match was Wayne Sanderson.