5 star Bedford retain 5 point lead

Tom Hewitt added Beth Noble as a 15th player to the squad, seeking a higher intensity than last weeks below par performance. Once again Bedford were first out of the traps and the first 10 minutes was possibly their best spell of hockey so far this season. The press was aggressive yet controlled and the maroons won two early short corners, the first deflected on her reverse by Andrea Mason was saved by the Brom Becks keeper but captain Jackson made no mistake with the second as she blasted it into the bottom corner.

Bedford retained the initiative, moving the ball with pace and fluidity, with everyone playing their part. The movement and leads from the forwards was dynamic with Emma Pinny was winning the ball back at will. It wasn’t long before Bedford doubled their lead after lovely build up on the right saw the Brom Becks keeper make an initial save but the rebound fell kindly into the path of Alterderma MOTM Verity Mason-McLeod who lifted the ball home with aplomb. Bedford transferred play with ease and there was lots of space for half backs Sam Turner and SJ Darrington, who were creative outlets. The maroons were seeking through balls into the circle and just before half time, Priston found a great passing line and Kate Costin nabbed the vital touch.

After the break, despite speaking about keeping the quality of the performance high, there was a lull and Brom Becks capitalised, enjoying some good attacking moments getting their noses back in the tie from a rebounded short corner. Bedford’s play was not quite as dominant as in the first half with some passes going astray so the next goal was going to be vital. After some persistent work in the forward line by Mason-McLeod and Claire Higginson to win a corner, Bedford captain Jackson once again stepped up to the mark and sweetly struck the ball in a carbon copy strike for a 4-1 lead. Midfielders Becca Budd, Charlotte Holland and Beth Noble dug in deep and Bedford seized back control. From a Brom Becks corner, Bedford then counterattacked at pace and Jenna Maclaren sent a great pass into Costin who beat her player and flashed a ball across the face of goal which narrowly escaped the clutches of Mason and Steph Holyoak. Bedford however did soon made it 5 and it was Costin who too grabbed a brace after Bedford pressed well again and turned over possession.

The game wasn’t quite done however as the Kent side rallied at the end at won a contentious gasp penalty corner which they dispatched past Leanne Sargeant leaving the final score 5-2 to the league leaders who retain their lead in the East Prem. Next week Bedford are away against bottom placed Norwich City.