After claiming their first ever draw the day before Stoke Ramblers went into this game with some weary legs, but looking to build on that result with another positive result.
They came up against an experienced Manchester United side, who although new to the IFA, had played together for years in other fans leagues.
Rich Glennon returned from illness between the sticks and Sheldon to the centre of midfield but Ramblers were without Mark Mothershaw, Myatt, Chris Cope, Oruc Tezgel and the star goalkeeper from Saturdays goalless draw with Crewe and with the majority of the spine of that team missing they were always going to be up against it.
The Ramblers did start well and forced half a dozen corners in the opening exchanges but, despite some dangerous deliveries, were unable to force the ball into the net and break the deadlock.
Manchester United had taken time to find their feet but grew into the game and, after one full length save from Glennon, tipping a long range shot round the post, the visitors opened the scoring when a well timed run at a corner allowed a Red Devils midfielder the opportunity to nod in at the near post to give the Red Devils a half time lead.
The second half started with the Ramblers pushed back for long periods and they were indebted to Glennon in goal for keeping them in the game as he produced one miraculous save at the near post after another header from a corner and managed to keep out two or three more well struck shots as the visitors piled on the pressure.
The second goal had been coming and arrived midway through the second half when a shot struck Beech on the arm, the ref awarding a penalty, and the spot kick was rolled down the middle to double the advantage.
That seemed to spark the Ramblers back into life and they made the game interesting with ten minutes left when a mazy run by substitute Cilla saw him force his way into the box before curling the ball towards the bottom corner. The keeper dropped to his left and palmed the ball away but Beech was following in and tapped the ball into the empty net.
Simon Duckmanton had already seen one thirty yard free kick tipped over the bar prior to the goal and Ramblers piled on the late pressure and, although the rode their luck on the break, were unable to get an equaliser.