Beeches 1st XI are soon in trouble after having Lye sent off (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Beeches 1st XI are soon in trouble after having Lye sent off

AS an out and out contest, Saturday's game was over in the seventh minute when Beeches FC's first team had Dan Lye sent off.

Without a match for three weeks, Beeches were eagerly looking forward to a run out.

The ten men held firm for half-an-hour and even had a reasonable share of the ball.

Hatherley then attacked in numbers and their unmarked centre-forward slotted home at the far.

Wayne Sanderson, on a rare foray in attack at a corner, evaded his Hatherley marker, but was unable to strike cleanly and the keeper saved comfortably.

Most of his excellent work was done at the other end in a gallant centre-half partnership with Mark Lee, as Hatherley finished the half a goal to the good.

At only a goal behind, the visitors continued to chase the game, leaving them badly exposed at the back.

Waiting for their rivals' attacks to founder, Hatherley attacked swiftly. Tim Sanderson performed heroics to keep out many shots and several good chances went begging.

Eventually, a clearance fell to a Hatherley midfielder, who rifled an unstoppable left-foot shot into the top right hand corner.

The home team could have increased the lead as the visitors tired but Beeches fought manfully to the end, still maintaining a high work rate.

The midfield of Richard Smith and John Hathaway kept going to Dan Smith and Sean Wiltshire supported on the flanks.

For sheer effort and contribution, Nigel Barry was Corinium Motors man of the match.