Beeches FC 3, Barometrics FC 2

A VITAL game in the season, with both teams already having beaten each other this season, swung the way of the Beeches and opened up a three-horse race at the top of the league.

Beeches started OK, keeping possession, but struggled to penetrate and create clear-cut chances early on. Barometrics were always chasing the game but had a few chances, mainly from mistakes made by the men in orange.

Barometrics opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a ball from wide was played across the penalty box with Beeches keeper Ryan Heaven colliding with the opposition striker. The penalty was tucked into the bottom left making it 1-0.

The scores were soon level as Joe Stratford made it 1-1 with his 9th goal of the season as he was held back whilst he shot but still managed to convert the chance.

Mitchell Stone went on to make it 2-1 to the Beeches with a nice finish to end a flowing move which saw Beeches take the driver’s seat and start controlling the game with more ease after good defensive work from Barometrics.

Alex King then went on a tricky run, beating two players and squaring it from the left for the league top scorer Scott Smith who poked it in between the keeper's legs to make it 3-1 and effectively game over for Barometrics.

However, Barometrics did pull one back late on to give them a glimmer of hope before the referee’s final whistle moments later.

Beeches FC entertain third place Hanley Swan next week as they look to make it a two-horse race going into December.

Greg Power Will Writers MotM: Joey Mansell