After two months, the ladies 1's are in Investec east conference action again tomorrow against 5th placed Chelmsford with the home side looking to get back to winning ways and move off the bottom of the table.

In the reverse fixture back at the end of September, Bedford made a blistering start but failed to convert their possession into goals. As the game wore on Chelmsford struck twice and there was no way back for the maroons. After a long winter break, Bedford are keen and excited to be back playing today after a weather interrupted January although we were able to fit in fixtures against Boots and Loughborough which have provided good preparation.

The Bedford squad includes both Becky Childs and Verity Mason-McLeod with only Kate Axford unavailable. Whilst Bedford find themselves at the foot of the East Conference at this point of the season, there are still 21 points up for grabs and with Chelmsford (today), Wimbledon, Ipswich and Maidenhead all to visit Chester Road, the team is confident of retaining their national league status with morale high after an encouraging second half performance against Loughborough.

It’s a busy time at the club and congratulations go to those players (Beth, SJ, Jacko, BT, Childsy, Pindog and Costin) who were involved in the first round mixed win against City of Peterborough last week with Clare BT picking up the player of the match accolades. We also wish luck to coach Paul Livesey, Condog and Axford as their England trials continue over the next few weeks at either end of the England age group spectrum's!

As the league resumes, there is an exciting match in prospect at the top of the East Conference as St Albans travel to leaders EG. A win for EG who also reached the final of the hockey 5s over Christmas, will see them open up a very commanding nine point lead at the top of the table.

Bedford squad in full – Leanne Sargeant, SJ Darrington, Rachel Jackson, Emma Pinny, Beth Noble, Yvette Van Yperen, Becky Childs, Verity Mason-McLeod, Sherri Skene ©, Charlotte Holland, Clare Beattie, Andrea Mason, Kate Costin