Sarge’s sparkling save see’s Bedford go 5 points clear

Bedford coach Tom Hewitt brought in Jenna Maclaren for the injured Ellie Priston but aside from that, the maroons were unchanged for the visit of Ipswich a team steeped in National League pedigree, having spent 24 consecutive seasons in the top flight of English Hockey.

Bedford started the game with a bang and immediately imposed their press on the Suffolk team with a high work rate and intensity from the whole squad. Clear goal scoring opportunities were limited but Bedford did win a number of short corners in the first half which were well defended. Bedford’s approach play was good; they were just lacking clarity with their decision making in the final third. Sam Turner and SJ Darrington were pro-active and able to maraud forward in their wing back roles but despite a good deal of pressure, the Ipswich defence stood firm up until the half hour mark. MOTM Charlotte Holland picked up the ball on the left of the circle, got her feet around smartly and snuck the ball in at the near post with the aid of a slight deflection but it was a goal, the home side certainly deserved. However, shortly after taking the lead, a defensive lapse gave Ipswich the opportunity to get back on level terms and they clinically finished the 2v1 past keeper Leanne Sargeant.

Into the second half and the game was much more even and tight with Ipswich being more aggressive in possession and Bedford’s star quality being their resoluteness and determination. Maclaren and Jackson made some vital interventions at the back whilst at the other end, Bedford were again successful in winning corners and Rebecca Budd near scored at the near post but the Ipswich keeper was able to dive across her line and prevent the ball from going in. Emma Pinny and Charlotte Holland were both having very effective games in the midfield, with boundless energy up and down the pitch. Going into the game’s final moments it was Bedford who found the collective mental strength to strike the decisive goal. Kate Costin picked up the ball inside the Bedford half and beat her player with a 3D skill before finding Verity Mason McLeod up the line. The cross from Bedford’s number 11 wasn’t picked cleanly by the Ipswich defence and the ball ricocheted all the way across to the opposite side of the circle where Pinny, who had made a late dash into the circle, was lurking and she slapped home her first goal of the season with calmness personified.

Still more drama followed as Bedford conceded a last minute penalty corner and the final whistle blew meaning Ipswich could put 10 players around the circle. With the pressure high, to hold onto maximum points, Leanne Sargeant produced a world class save low down to her right to tip the ball safely around the post. The save was all the more impressive given the ball was struck like a rocket and lifted slightly off the floor. Following the game, news filtered in of a defeat for second placed Wapping so Bedford extended their lead at the top of the East Prem to 5 points. Next week Bedford are away to Wisbeach Town HC.

Alterderma Player of the Match - Charlotte Holland (pictured)