Beeches 1 Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds 2

GREENALLS PSO took one step closer to defending their Warrington and District League Guardian Cup title with a fightback victory against plucky Beeches.

A poor start almost ended Greenalls’ hopes of retaining the trophy, with Beeches quick out of the gates and forcing the Cheshire League side to concede a goal within less than a minute of kick off.

Craig Clare came sliding out his goal to collect the ball, but a terrible miskick resulted in the ball ricocheting for Andy Ledger to slot home.

Beeches continued to press and were looking good value for their lead, with Greenalls lacking penetration and giving the ball away far to cheaply on the slippy surface.

But PSO’s class was starting to shine through on the half hour, with chances from Chris Rogers and Lee Hughes going begging.

Stern words at the break made PSO up their game, though the leveller was quite fortunate as Danny Toppings’ miss-hit free kick sailed over the head of the Beeches keeper.

The introduction of Lee Vaughan helped to complete the turnaround, as it was his run and cross that set up four-time Guardian Cup winner Robbie Hanley for the deserved winner.

Greenalls: Craig Clare, Paul Dobson (Lee Vaughan), Gareth Johns, Alex Hardman, Joe Woods, Danny Topping, Lee Hughes, Mark Hughes, Robbie Hanley, Glen Percival (Craig Hoyland), Chris Rogers (Ben Mcwilliams). Subs not used: Ellis Houghton, Robert Clarke.