Bedford draw in the Dragon’s Den

Lucy Sellers replaced Leanne Sargeant in goal whilst Claire Higginson was unavailable so the maroons took a squad of 13 into the Dragons Den looking to retain their lead at the top of the East Prem. The first half was akin to a game of cat and mouse, with possession switching between the sides and a general lack to real quality with several misplaced passes. Bedford did put some nice moves together in phases with half backs Beth Noble and MOTM SJ Darrington seeing plenty of the ball in an attacking capacity. Bedford won a handful of penalty corners in the first half but Norwich defended captain Rachel Jackson’s strikes well however their resolve was broken when the league leaders worked a routine and Charlotte Holland found Kate Costin who deflected home.

After the goal, Bedford were in the ascendancy and threatened to extend their lead a couple of times on the break with openings created for Pippa Jones and Andrea Mason. Bedford were using Emma Pinny well to transfer play but the Dragon’s did work openings too and just before half time they struck an equaliser after an unmarked forward picked up the ball left of the penalty spot and lifted a smart finish over the onrushing Sellers.

The second half was all Bedford in terms of possession as Norwich sat back deep in defence. Jackson and Maclaren were able to outlet at will but the Dragons packed their circle and Bedford struggled to create opportunities. Bedford looked most likely from set pieces but they were repelled by a resolute Norwich team who all looked calm on the ball which created frustrations in Bedford’s game. Meanwhile Norwich almost caught the maroons on the hop but Sellers kept her guard and composure in goal and was communicating well with her defence. Experienced striker Andrea Mason had to withdraw with injury 10 minutes to go and an x-ray later in the evening revealed a fractured thumb which leaves another of Tom Hewitt’s squad on the side-lines.

Generally, Bedford lacking that spark of invention and their usual intensity and although Becca Budd and Sam Turner worked tirelessly in the middle of the pitch, two late chances for Steph Holyoak were blocked by the Norwich keeper so the spoils were shared. Bedford’s lead at the top is now 8 points but Ipswich in second have played a game more; the lead remains 10 points over Wapping, Norwich and St Albans as they also recorded draws. Next week Bedford are away against Holcombe, a team’s whose recent good run of form has pushed them away from the relegation zone.