SUNDAY PREMIER LEAGUE

Munro Cup quarter-final result

Charleston DRS  ...0

Beverley United  ...2 (after extra time)

Beverley United finally managed to overcome their tricky opponents but were only seven minutes away from the lottery of a penalty shootout.

   Late late goals from Craig Evans and Chris Garth saw United home allowing under their under pressure manager to breath a huge sigh of relief.

   With no match last week Williams found himself busy persuading Alan Laud to reconsider hanging up his boots and also to 're-sign' Dave Ricardo from rivals Sutton Fields despite the midfielder only switching to the Hull outfit nine days previous. The hard work seemed to have prevailed as both players were named in the starting eleven for this game.

   The match looked to have got off to the perfect start from a United point of view as captain Jon Ricardo rose at the far post to connect with a corner, his powerful header flew in to the goal but the referee ruled it out for a foul by another Beverley player on an opponent. Luke Thompson was then brilliantly denied when his smart right footed shot, after great build-up play, was somehow tipped away from the bottom corner by the Charleston goalkeeper.

   For all their efforts, Charleston never really tested out Andy Lane in the Beverley goal thanks in main to some resolute defending from the United back four.

   Right on half time  Charleston 's left back kicked out and then threw blatant punch on Matty Dixon which went un-noticed by the referee. He did however pick up the aftermath as the Beverley side sprung to Dixon 's defence and the ensuing melee involving all twenty-two players, both managers and a handful of supporters from either side which kept the nearby dog walkers entertained for a few moments at least.

   The referee did a great job in calming down the situation and dished out yellow cards to the two original perpetrators and the players were finally allowed to leave the pitch for half time.

   Jon Ricardo was asking more from his forwards and the attacking influence of Danny Moore was brought on early in the second period. Moore immediately made an impact. Unfortunately the impact was from his boot and landed on the shin of Charleston 's centre-half - a bone crunching tackle that left the latter limping and Moore luckily escaping punishment. The tackle did seem to lift United but again they just seemed to be lacking the finishing touch. Two good opportunities fell to Garth but a combination of the wet conditions and some good goalkeeping ensured the Charleston net minder won both battles.

   The game trundled along and extra time was called by the referee. Some fans left demanding their petrol money back, the braver ones stayed.

   The first period went by without incident and then, slowly, Beverley finally found their feet. With just seven minutes of extra time remaining before penalties United scored.

   After some continued pressure Beverley forced a corner and Craig Evans connected with the ball perfectly and powering it in to the ground ensuring it bounced up and in to the goal. The goal was invaluable and instantly deflated the valiant home side. As Charleston switched formation and tried to grab an even later equaliser, Beverley struck on the break. Dave Ricardo played a ball forward to the feet of Thompson who squared for Chris Garth. Garth fired his shot secured over the on rushing goalkeeper before he got to his feet for the third time. The goal was effectively the last kick of the game and the players left the pitch tired, but no doubt mightily relieved that they now are in the semi-finals of the Munro cup.

   This Sunday Beverley United travel to King George V pitches in Kirkella to play basement club Hop-Pole. Weather permitting the game will kick off at 11am with Beverley keen to improve their goal difference and in doing so improve their league position.

Beverley United   ...0

Sutton Fields        ...5

Just when it looked like Beverley United had got their poor start to the season back on track they were brought back to earth with five-star display from Sutton Fields. Sutton were able to field their strongest side of the season with ex-Hull City player Jamie Cass and Phil Harrison enjoying the majority of possession in the midfield. Ricky Fielding and Matty Fyvie played up front and ensured man-of-the-match Adam Nicholson in the Beverley goal was kept busy.

   The game was delayed for twenty minutes as the referee's whistle broke and a replacement was sought. This turned out to be somewhat of a blessing in disguise as United skipper Jon Ricardo set a poor example to his team mates by turning out late for his side. The whistle fortunately arrived at the same time as Ricardo and the game finally got underway.

   From the moment the game started United were under lots of pressure with the defence failing to clear the ball with any real purpose and Sutton just continued to launch attack after attack. Failure to clear a corner with any conviction allowed the visitors to go one up inside the first ten minutes. Fielding then scored his first of the game and on the half hour mark it was 3-0 as Beverley were simply chasing shadows. When they did win possession, poor passing ensured nothing would come of it. Indeed just before half time Beverley had their only chance of the game when a poor pass from Giblin at the back saw Matty Dixon presented with the opportunity to give Beverley some hope but his strike rebounded back off the post and Sutton cleared the danger. Strong words were dished out to the Beverley players at half time and it could be argued that they responded by keeping the score at 3-0 for the next thirty minutes, but for all their efforts in trying to make a game of it, tiredness crept in and Sutton continued where they left off. Fielding scoring his second of the game before  Harrison completed the rout and scored his sides fifth. Nicholson performed admirably in the goal but little else could be said of the other ten players on the pitch who spent most of the game arguing instead of trying to play football. After the game Williams was hit by the news that Alan Laud looks set to be leaving the club. Laud, the clubs top scorer with 187 goals for Athletico and Beverley United, is struggling to make every game travelling from Wakefield for every match. It will be yet another massive blow for United who now face a real test to salvage anything from their season. The club chairman, Jon Woolfitt has given Williams his backing but if the club fail to win on Sunday the chairman may have to re-evaluate that. 

Hessle Rangers    ..1

Beverley United   ..3

Beverley made it three wins in three and in a thrilling league match at Heads Lane . The venue was switched just two hours before kick off leaving United manager Danny Williams fuming as he was unable to alert any club fans travelling to the original South Hunsley pitch that the ground had been changed.

  The teams plans were further set back with Alan Laud having to start as substitute due to a stomach bug. It must have come as a shock to Williams when his side, playing uphill and against a strong wind took the lead after just fifteen minutes.

   After battling work down the right-hand side, Matthew Dixon won a corner. He fired in a super cross and Craig Evans rose above the tall Hessle defence to send an unstoppable header in to the home side's goal.

Beverley enjoyed the lion's share of possession and despite the poor conditions were playing the neater football, just failing to build any serious goal threats as the final ball fell short. Hessle were opting to play the long ball which, at least during the first half, Northen and Evans dealt with relatively well.

   Forward Danny Moore had a good chance to double the lead after being put through but he failed to hit the ball as cleanly as he would have liked and the ball went wide.

   The referee blew for half time with Beverley in control but still only one goal up. Luke Thompson had to withdraw himself with a dead leg at the break so Laud replaced the youngster. With the manager asking for 'more of the same' United took to the field.

   Whatever Hessle's manager had said to his players at half time seemed to have worked as they came out a different side. Just five minutes in to the second period and they were celebrating the equaliser as new signing Lewis Smales played a neat one two and was through on goal. His low shot beat Nicholson on his right and Hessle were right back in it.

   From that moment on the home side dominated. Beverley's couldn't get out of their half and it looked a certainty that the points would be going to Rangers. This looked even more assured when with just eight minutes to go, Evans was adjudged to have fouled his opponent in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and waved away the United's claims that the incident had taken place outside the box. Left-winger Mark Lucid placed the ball on the spot only to see his well-struck penalty superbly saved by Nicholson. The save proved to be the turning point as Hessle for all their efforts began to tire. Beverley gave it one last throw of the dice and with the game almost at full time forced a corner. Frampton swung in a right-footed cross, the ball found its way back to him. Under pressure he moved the ball towards the edge of the area and curled another right-footed effort towards goal, only this time his dipping effort swerved its way in to the goal past the despairing dive of Hessle's goal minder. It was a real 'get-out-of-jail' moment for Beverley and the relief was evident across the players faces. Deep in to injury time Frampton gave sealed it for United as the Hessle defence stopped with Laud in an offside position. Frampton had the intelligence to drive forward with the ball himself and suddenly was in the clear. He side-footed the ball home from close range to see Beverley leave Heads Lane with a somewhat flattering scoreline but one they will be delighted with.

   This Sunday a big crowd is expected down at Longcroft to see Beverley United take on old foes Sutton Fields. The old Orchard Park side and Beverley have had some classic games over the last few seasons and this Sunday's game has already had the touch paper set alight. Dave Ricardo, brother of United captain Jon has left Beverley to sign for Sutton Fields and is set to make his debut on Sunday. The game is already been billed as the 'Battle of the Brothers' with Jon Ricardo promising to put his "team mates before anyone" on Sunday. Kick off is set for 1pm. 

Beverley United ...3

Swanfield 'A'      ...0

Local side Beverley United built on last week's Munro Cup win over Boothferry Tigers with a workman-like performance against Swanfield 'A' in the Sunday Premier League.

   Two changes were forced as Matty Dixon was forced to withdraw late on so Glenn Rushton started returning from a hamstring injury. Luke Thompson also started partnering Laud up front

   After a cagey opening ten minutes Beverley began to exert themselves and never looked back controlling the game throughout.

   United took the lead in the twelfth minute when they were awarded a free-kick after skipper Jon Ricardo was adjudged to have been fouled after a clash of heads. Monaghan pumped the free-kick deep in to the box and Rushton managed to win the header. As the ball hung in the air on the edge of the area, Morris attempted a bicycle kick, he didn't connect with it as he would have liked but the ball fell in to the path of the on-rushing Shaun Gibson who struck an unstoppable left foot volley past the Swanfield goalkeeper.

  United doubled their lead after some poor defending by Swanfield. Midway through the first half, Laud swung in a corner to the far post and Gibson claimed his and Beverley's second goal of the game. He didn't even have to jump for the header as Swanfield simply switched off allowing him the time and space to ensure he made the most of it.

   Just three minutes later and the home side practically had the points in the bag as Laud scored the goal of the game. He picked the ball up on the edge of the area with his back to goal. He flicked it up and struck a beautiful effort across the Swanfield goalkeeper which hit the inside of the side netting and nestled in the back of the goal. Such was the cleaness of the strike that the fans directly behind Laud were cheering the moment it left his foot.

   Swanfield were furious with themselves for failing to provide enough fight in defence with experienced James Atkinson clearly not at the races.

   In the second half, Thompson made way for Danny Moore and although Beverley didn't create any 'clear cut' chances they did enough to ensure all three points were secured.

   Swanfield had their best effort of the game in the second half when Beverlonian Dom Riley fired a low shot in from twenty yards but the ball hit the foot of the post and United cleared the danger.

•    This Sunday Beverley United travel South Hunsley School where they will take on Hessle Rangers. A side that they have beaten in their last five meetings. Williams will be hoping that his team can continue their form and begin to climb the league table.  

Munro Cup 3rd Round Result

Beverley United      ...6

Boothferry Tigers   ...5  (after extra time)

Beverley welcomed Boothferry to Longcroft in a re-run of last season's Munro Cup final and another amazing game was fought out with United emerging victorious though it was far from plain sailing.

   Two minutes silence was held prior to kick off with the game falling on Remembrance Sunday and then the game took place.

   United raced in to an early lead as Chris Garth raced down the right-hand side as the Boothferry defence tried to play the offside trap. After a fifty-yard run he fired the ball across the goal allowing Mike Morris to put the home side 1-0 up. Dixon made it 2-0 shortly afterwards as Gibson flicked on a Ricardo long throw and his smart feet inside the box allowed him to score from the edge of the six yard box.

   Beverley appeared to be in cruise control as captain Jon Ricardo then made it three as a Danny Moore free-kick was laid off by Morris and Ricardo's strike went in-off the post.

   Boothferry Tigers are renown for the their fighting spirit but no-one expected what was to follow. The visitors scored through Hessey when the United defence failed to clear a ball and despite the game only approaching half time the home side's dominance had been such that it would've been easy to dismiss Boothferry's goal as a mere consolation. This was emphasised as midway thorught the second half, Williams brought off Morris to give Luke Thompson  a run up front to take some pressure off Laud. Just moments later Gibson then went down with an injury and had to be replaced by Nelson.

   United had suddenly lost their shape and Boothferry Tigers pressed on. Lightowler scored to make it 3-2 and on 74 minutes the game was all square when influential Joey Adinall fired home from a set-piece. Beverley were reeling and the nail in the coffin appeared to be struck when Lightowler grabbed his second of the game with a superb strike across Beverley goalkeeper Adam Nicholson to send the travelling support wild.

   The game was now deep in to injury time and Beverley in their desperation won a corner. The penalty area was full of all the players including Nicholson. The cross was a good one, Jon Ricardo rose highest above the crowd and powered home to the astonishment of all who were watching. As the game restarted the referee's whistle blew immediately meaning extra time and a lucky escape for United.

   Realising they had 'got out of jail' Beverley began the first period of extra time much better. Alan Laud raced on to a long ball and despite the onrushing goalkeeper bravely reached the ball first and put Beverley back in front. Sadly the impact saw him leave the field of play after damaging his shoulder, Arran Martin replaced the injured forward. Substitute Andy Nelson then scored his first of the season slamming the ball home from close range to put United 6-4 up. Boothferry in true style still fought back and scored in the second period of extra time to set up a nail biting ending but United held strong and now progress to the quarter-finals after a thrilling cup game.

   This Sunday Beverley United are back in Premier League action as they face Swanfield at Longcroft with a 1pm kick off.  

West Lee         ...6

Beverley Utd    ...0

The scoreline will no doubt raise a few eyebrows even if West Lee were top of the table. However the reason behind the result was the inability to raise a team. Fielding just nine players - from a squad of thirty - which included the club treasurer and coach the team did valiantly against the early league leaders ending the first half just 1-0 down.

   However as tiredness inevitably crept in West Lee took control and scored another five goals to continue their dominance in the division.

   It is most unlike Beverley to ever struggle for a side but those who did turn out will no doubt have walked off the pitch wondering why they bother - including striker Alan Laud who travels from Wakefield for every game.

 Chairman, Mr. Woolfitt said "In over twelve years of watching over the side I have never seen anything as poor as this. We understand that a handful of key players decided to stay out late into Sunday morning and the manager is currently launching his own investigation".

   Manager Dan Williams confirmed that he had spoken to all of his players ahead of this weeks huge game and admitted that it has been a hard week. "I have spent most of this week speaking to the players, seeing if they have any issues and trying to resolve them. Two players have decided to leave the club and the rest have told me they are all committed and we now need to quickly get over this embarrassing incident and put things right with immediate effect".

   This Sunday sees a re-run of last year's memorable Munro Cup final in which Beverley United emerged victorious. Boothferry Tigers travel to Longcroft as they try to gain some revenge for United's 4-3 victory earlier this year.

   Boothferry ironically beat West Lee 2-1 in the previous round so after seeing United's latest result will need no encouragement. Will the giant-killers claim another scalp or can Beverley finally stand-up and be counted? All will be revealed at Longcroft this Sunday at 1pm.

President's Cup Second Round Result - 25/10/09.

Beverley United  ..3

Elloughton FC    ...0

United picked themselves up after last weeks disappointing result in the National Cup to record a confortable win over Elloughton on Sunday.

   The players that never featured in the previous weeks game all started along with the club's new signing from Scarborough , Fabio.

   Beverley took the lead in the twentieth minute when a great cross tempted Elloughton's goalkeeper to come and claim it.  Luke Thompson was trying to get on the end of it and in doing so did enough to distract the on-rushing goalie. Thompson picked up the loose ball and squared it to Shaun Gibson who fired the ball in to the roof of the net from close range.

   To their credit Elloughton were trying to play some good football but a combination of poor control in key areas and pressure from the United midfield restricted the visitors to long-range strikes. 

   Just before half time striker Danny Moore cleverly turned his man on the half way line and sprinted towards the goal. Around twenty-yards out he looked up and fired a low shot which beat the goalkeeper and doubled Beverley's lead.

   United having made the most of the strong wind switched to a back four in the second half to defend their lead. Man of the match Gav Northen put his body on the line on more than one occasion throwing himself between man and ball showing how much a clean sheet should mean to any defender.

   Dave Ricardo came on in the second half when Chris Garth was forced off with a serious looking achilles injury. Ricardo teamed up with Fabio in the middle as the pair appeared to gel right away and turned on the tricks for the spectators braving the wind and rain.

   The result was put beyond doubt when Luke Thompson collected the ball at the far post and, despite being crowded out by defenders he smartly curled the ball through a tight gap and guided the ball in off the opposite post.

   Frampton and Dixon both impressed with their work rates on the flanks and Williams will have some tough choices to make again this week as United travel to Malet Lambert School to take on Sunday Premier league leaders West Lee. The game will kick off at 11am with the club hoping to welcome back club captain Jon Ricardo who missed the game through injury.

FA Carlsberg National Cup 1st Round Result

Beverley United  ...0
Western Approaches   ..4

The scoreline could be regarded as a little flattering to the Liverpudlian side but the result certainly wasn't. Better work-rate, better passing, more commitment and ultimately the ability to convert their chances ensured they deservedly won the game and left United with nothing to smile about come the final whistle.
   A battling first half display saw the sides go in 0-0. There were chances. For Beverley, Rob Northen diverted a Ricardo header across the goal when it looked like the original effort may have been going in, at the other end Shaun Gibson cleared what looked like a certain goal from underneath the crossbar.
   The best opportunity of the opening forty-five minutes fell to the feet of Alan Laud who somehow struck his effort wide of the upright. Had that goal gone in would things have been different? Probably not in all fairness as the 'Western' showed up their opponents in the second half. Beverley gave up everything they had worked so hard for in the first half and may as well have stayed sat in the changing rooms as the visitors took control.
   Their opening goal was a combination of a defence splitting pass and a superbly timed run which left the United defence not knowing whether to play offside or stay with the forward. By the time they had decided the visitor's young forward had finished his one-on-one effort with ease.
   Beverley never really recovered as the side switched from the defensive 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 in a bid to find a way back. It wasn't to happen as the goal simply made Western want more. They sensed Beverley were beaten and on 72 minutes doubled their lead. Poor defending again cost United as Dean Astbury scored his first of the match much to the delight of the fifty plus Liverpool contingent.
   Beverley then had a ten-minute spell which saw Rob Northen go close with two efforts, his first - the better of the two saw his shot was superbly saved on to the post by Tony Alcock in the Western goal, his second strike flew in to the side-netting. Sadly for United and their fans the ten minute spell ended with Western Approaches third goal. They broke away as Beverley were pressing and substitute Lee Pegram scored to put the result beyond doubt. In the closing stages midfielder Kevin Burke fired home from the edge of the area to give the visitors a comprehensive victory. For Beverley it was a tough lesson and it will be an even bigger test to see how they can bounce back. Williams has promised to make wholesale changes to his side after the lacklustre second-half display with all of the players who missed Sunday's National Cup game likely to start. The President's Cup second round tie this Sunday sees United face Elloughton FC from Division 2 at home (Longcroft School) with a 1pm kick off.

Munro Cup 1st Round Result

Batemans        ...1

Beverley Utd   ...3

Beverley successfully overcame a potentially tricky opening tie against Batemans despite going a goal down in the opening twenty minutes.

   The open pitch ensured the blustery wind was always going to play a key factor and Batemans, after winning the toss, elected to play with the wind behind them.

   Beverley failed to get in to their stride, and when Gibson was harshly penalised for pushing a Bateman's winger off the ball the threat should have been dealt with.

   An innocent looking shot should have been easily gathered by Nicholson in the net but he fumbled the ball and it somehow squirmed in to the net to give the home side an extra boost.

   For all Bateman's efforts however, Beverley's class was about to show when in a blistering sixteen minute spell they hit three goals.

   The equalising goal came from Glenn Rushton after a good corner was swung in and the Bateman's defence failed to clear the danger allowing Rushton to side-foot home from close range.

   Beverley's second was won by Laud who was brought down in the area. Laud handed the ball to Gibson, who scored last week from the spot, and he ensured he did the same again to give United the lead.

   The third goal came from a  free-kick on the halfway line. Jon Ricardo rose highest to head the ball back across goal where Matty Dixon was waiting, he managed to outjump the Bateman's goalkeeper and headed in to the empty net.

   The second half was a poor display from United, who failed to get out of first gear. They may be excused for having thought the game was won but it will be a different story if they fail to turn up for this weekends game.

   Western Approaches - who are currently top of the Liverpool Sunday Premier League - look like serious opponents for United in this Sundays FA Carlsberg National Cup. Beverley will be boosted with the return of Rob Northen and David Ricardo for the important game. Kick off is at the later time of 2pm and will take place at Dene Park, Dunswell with all Beverlonians urged to travel and support United.The match is to be sponsored by Beaver Building & Joinery Ltd.

Sunday Premier Result

Beverley United  ...2   (Laud, 2)

Blackburn Leisure  ...3   (Pierce, Bagshaw, Marjoram)

Beverley United lost their second game of the season meaning they are still searching for their first win of the 2009-10 campaign. Despite leading 2-0 with just twenty minutes left, the team buckled and conceded three soft goals to hand Blackburn all three points.

   Beverley's preparation wasn't helped when despite already missing Monaghan and Whitehead in defence, Morris also pulled out after the warm-up after pulling a muscle in his neck. Skipper Jon Ricardo was forced to drop back in to strengthen the back three with Gibson and debutant Chris Young.

   This in turn left the midfield weakened with Dave Ricardo absent so United started the game with only one recognised central player in Glenn Rushton. Mark Frampton was handed a free role behind the front two and Thompson replaced Moore up front partnering Laud.

   Blackburn Leisure took advantage of a disjointed Beverley side and applied the early pressure as the home side found their feet. Fortunately for United, Blackburn 's finishing wasn't up to scratch and for all their possession they failed to take advantage.

   As Beverley settled, they showed brief signs of weathering the storm and against the run of play they took an undeserved lead.

   Some neat one-touch football down the left-hand side resulted in Coverdale whipping in a cross. Alan Laud was on hand to side-foot the ball in to the goal.

   Just ten minutes later an almost a carbon copy move saw United double their lead. This time the cross came in from Frampton and Laud was again in the right place to guide the ball in to the net despite the efforts of Blackburn 's goalkeeper.

   Andy Lane was called upon in the Beverley goal when the visitors were awarded a free-kick when Ricardo went in too hard on ex-United player James Botton. The free-kick was hit low and on-target but Lane did well to turn it away with the ball awkwardly bouncing just before him. Gibson then tested Blackburn 's goalkeeper with a solid shot from a free-kick with which the goalie did well to hold on to.

   At half time the players came in and were praised for their efforts despite the missing players and weakened line-up.

   As the second half began, Beverley looked comfortable and could have added to their lead as both Coverdale and Thompson missed good chances. With little over thirty minutes left, Dixon replaced Thompson in the hope of securing the points with a final goal. Blackburn had their own ideas however and pushed three men up front on to Beverley's back three. They almost got an immediate reward but for Chris Young's brilliant goal line clearance. Before long they scored thanks to Pierce and the Beverley side's hand was forced as they replaced forward Alan Laud with defender Arran Martin. Frampton who's role had also become ineffective due to Beverley only having one up front was also substituted for Danny Moore who was told to sit deep and sure up the midfield.

   As Blackburn  pressed it was clear that Beverley would have to hang on for the remaining ten minutes. The changes that Williams had made seemed to weaken the team further and the shape was lost. Things weren't helped as Garth was struggling with a bad knee injury but all substitutions were used so United had to manage as best they could. Blackburn could sense they could take something from the game and as a ball was played in to the area Martin mistimed his tackle and brought down Walker . The referee awarded a penalty and Bagshaw scored from the spot. The scores were level.

   As the game neared full time, Blackburn Leisure broke down the right with defender Marjoram. The speedy player, ran at Young and played the ball inside. Looking for the return pass, Young momentarily took his eye off Marjoram who was now goal side of his marker, the return ball to him was perfect and after one touch he slid the ball under Lane to hand an amazing victory to Blackburn Leisure.

   A frustrated Williams said, "This game really has left us all gutted. We have all made mistakes today, me more than anyone. It's important we acknowledge this, learn from it, pull together and ensure we let Newland Rangers feel the backlash of this result".

   Beverley United have no game next week so can turn their backs on what has been a miserable start to the season. They next face Newland Rangers on Sunday 4th October on Oak Road.

Sunday Premier League

Roplas ...3 (Dransfield 3)

Beverley United ...1 (Laud) 

Beverley United opened their season with a disappointing result against last year's champions Roplas. Despite having the upper edge for the opening hour of the game they ultimately paid the price for failing to convert a key chance as Roplas ran riot in the final thirty minutes.

   United skipper, Jon Ricardo began the game with a groin injury which was clearly hampering his progress but he did a good job in keeping Roplas' Jamie Richards quiet for the first 45 minutes. Beverley's Andy Coverdale, made a real impact tormenting his marker down the left-hand side. It was one of his runs that saw him brought down midway through the opening period and the referee blew for a foul. The pitch was poorly marked out and after the referee's closer inspection he pointed to the spot as he deemed the foul was indie the Roplas' penalty area. Last seasons top scorer Alan Laud and, after his effort was saved, ensured he was first on to the rebound and celebrated putting United 1-0 up.

   Roplas were playing in to the wind and due to some good defending from the trio of Morris, Monaghan and Gibson were offering very little in way of scoring a goal.

   At the break Beverley came in and it was clear looking at the players they had worked hard for such a slender lead. However Jon Ricardo could no longer continue due to his injury and United were forced to change their shape with Ben Whitehead coming on at left-back and the side switching to a more orthodox 4-4-2 formation.

   Beverley now were playing in to the wind and it was clear they were going to be busier. Roplas resorted to using the long ball and tried to continually pressure the Beverley defence in to mistakes by increasing their personnel in attack.

   The key moment in the game came on the hour mark as Beverley broke on the counter-attack. Laud put in a low fizzing ball in right across the face of goal and Danny Moore failed to make enough contact with the ball and saw it go agonisingly wide of the post.

   As so typically happens in football when you don't take your chances, on their very next attack, Roplas scored. Callum Dransfield getting on the end of a cross after good work from Danny Clarke which lifted the home side. Roplas now looked rampant and were instantly looking for a second. That goal came just five minutes later.

Claalum Dransfield hit a speculative shot from the edge of the area which looked to be bread and butter for NIcholson in the Beverley goal but the ball took a wicked deflection on its way which left the 'keeper rooted to the spot and unable to do anything other than watch it roll in to the opposite side of the goal. Roplas were celebrating and left the Beverley players with their heads in their hands. The team were clearly frustrated that all their hard work had been undone in the blinking of an eye. Williams was trying to motivate his team but they looked weary and substitusions were made. Thompson replaced Moore and O'Connell came on for Garth in the hope they could spark the team in to life. Before either had chance to adjust to the frantic pace of the game O'Connell was caught in possession on the halfway line by Ricketts. The Roplas' right back ran with the ball and sent in a cross to the far post allowing Dransfield to score and celebrate his hat-trick. With United seemingly running on empty it was clear where the points were going. A valiant late push in the final five miuntes however saw Laud presented with with two half chances but a combination of poor control and solid Roplas defending ensured the score remained at 3-1 as the reigning champions showed why they are that.

   Beverley will play their first home game of the season on their new pitch at Longcroft School at 1pm this Sunday as they play Blackburn Leisure who are from Brough. United moved to the new venue as the new pitch is a '3G' surface which should ensure they don't have a fixture build-up at the end of the season due to poor weather.

   United have been drawn at home Western Approaches in the First Round of the FA Carlsberg National Cup on Sunday 18th October. The Croxteth-based outfit will provide tough opposition but Beverley will be confident of doing better than last year after narrowly losing 3-2 to Lobster FC. The game will be played at Dene Park at 2.00pm.

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