Slim win for Sevenoaks

On a cold day, Bedford started brightly and within the opening seven minutes Clare Bilham had been denied twice by the Sevenoaks keeper, the second striking her helmet before being clawed away by the covering defender. Bedford committed players forward to support attacks as frequently as possible with SJ Darrington and Beth Noble working hard up and down the flanks looking to create opportunities.

The game was pretty end to end; Bedford looked to contain and then counter attack whilst Sevenoaks created some great opportunities down their right. Megan Claggett joined the BHC squad this week and the 17-year-old put in a fine performance on her National League debut playing with great composure on the left-hand side of defence.

Bedford probed around the D with Emma Pinny and Jenna Maclaren working tirelessly in the midfield to win the ball back. Sevenoaks defended strongly throughout however, and short corner opportunities were well restricted. On the half hour mark Sevenoaks struck what proved to be the games deciding goal when despite an excellent tackle from Elli Priston initially, the ball repelled wide and Katy Warrington struck an emphatic shot from a tight angle.

Bedford stuck to their plan and in the second half again were committed and played with good quality in patches. Becky Childs and Becca Budd on the flanks were picking the balls off and the Sevenoaks keeper was forced to make a couple of impressive saves. At the other end Leanne Sargeant was on fire in the Bedford goal coming off her line well and denying the kent side on several occasions earning her the man of the match award. Bedford went close again with a couple of corners, but Sevenoaks were composed in closing the game out with Bedford losing players to green cards with the clock running down. Next week Bedford are at home to second place Wimbledon and coach Martin Mason McLeod will be looking for a repeat performance from his squad. Push back at Chester Road is 2-30pm