Bedford’s Midlands Premier League survival is now left out of their hands and reliant on Aldridge’s final two national league results, as Bedford lost their final game of the season 3-1 away to Towcester who with that victory replace Bedford in 7th place in the league table thus guaranteeing their status next season.
Bedford went into the match knowing a win was required however as the bottom of the 3 sides with survival on their minds, Towcester had a similar scenario but with 3 points less than their opponents so nothing at all to loose. Towcester started the game the brighter and pushed big numbers forward early doors. Bedford struggled to keep hold of the ball and were dealt a hammer blow inside the first 5 minutes when a Towcester forward dribbled all the way across the circle, marshalled by Caroline McGuckian. The angle seemed to be narrowing however a pot shot shot was taken on the reverse which bobbled to deceive Aimee Williams. Towcester undoubtedly played the better hockey in the first period but Bedford were certainly not helped by some quite frankly baffling umpiring decisions with Connie Mason pulled up for foot faults on 2 short corners meaning Bedford rarely tested the Towcester keeper in the first period. Verity Mason was excellent in possession down the right hand side wowing the pitchside crowd with some silky dribbling skills, linking up well with Kelly Bingham whose speed was clearly unnerving the home sides defence. Bingham fired a great cross across goal which Connie Mason helped into the path of Natalia Norford but her shot was swept agonisingly wide. Kate Costin also had a 1 on 1 with the keeper but her shot on the run was turned around the post for a corner. Towcester too created a number of chances to increase their lead, with the ever improving Jenna Maclaren clearing off the line and Williams blocking a few efforts. Towcester passed the ball better and edged the possession in the first half with Bedford all too frequently caught on the ball and not playing the quick short passing game where they look at their most effective. Heidi Langley, Beth Nobel and Sherrie Skene all spent the majority of the first half trying to break up Towcester’s play rather than being able to threaten the Towcester goal themselves and support Bedford 2 forwards.
The second half performance was much improved. Bedford played with more desire and commitment and certainly more quality than before the break. However they conceded a goal 5 minutes into the half which gave them a mountain to climb. Jilly Rush, was penalised for what appeared to be a fine challenge well outside the area. Not only did the umpire give the decision against Bedford but awarded a short corner which Bedford failed to deal with and the injector slotted home. Now it was Bedford with nothing to loose and they pressed high and began to dominate the game. Connie Mason should have pulled a goal back from player of the match Bingham’s pull back but with the keeper beaten, Mason shot skittled her shot past the far post. Again Bedford went forward and Langley put a shot wide before Bedford did get their reward with a fine move started in their own half. Nobel won the ball and found Costin who played the ball first time into the path of Bingham. Bingham ran towards the goal with terrific pace leaving 2 defenders in her wake before sliding the ball calmly past the keeper for her first goal of the season. Bedford won a series of short corners but couldn’t get their routine to come off. The umpiring decisions continued to be questionable as both teams were reduced to 10 players-Bedford losing Rush for being the victim of a thrown stick! Several other Bedford players were green carded despite the game being played in the right spirit between the two teams. As Bedford threw caution to the wind looking for the equaliser, they were left exposed at the back and Verity Mason, playing her last game for the club after 10 years service, was unfortunate to give the ball away and Towcester duely punished the error slipping the ball to the back post and finishing past Williams.
So the final score of 3-1 to Towcester ensured their survival. Olton’s defeat to champions Worcester means that they are automatically relegated with Hampton and Bedford are left hoping that no more Midlands sides finish in the relegation places of the 3 national leagues. It’s the end of a disappointing season for the ladies first team as despite a handful of decent displays, there has also been a lot of inconsistent performances, leads that have been thrown away and points lost however if Bedford do remain in this league, you can be sure that next season, the squad will be stronger and looking to compete with the leagues best sides.
This game was the final Bedford match for Jilly Rush before she heads to university, Sherrie Skene who will be moving to France and Verity Mason who is off to Cyprus. All 3 players as well as Dom Swain who didn’t feature in this match and is off travelling, have been tremendous players for the club and will be missed next year.
http://www.fixtureslive.com/api_page.asp - Final League Table