Spoils shared in Chester Road opener

Coach Martin Mason McLeod was without Zoe Burford but Elli Priston and Becky Tarrant added their experience to the squad for the maroons who had support from a big crowd. Bedford started the game brightly and Rebecca Budd had an early sight at goal against her former club and generally Bedford were on top although there were a lot of unforced errors from both sides. The Bedford press was imposing and central midfield duo Emma Pinny and Jenna Maclaren were able to win back possession, both players heavily involved at both ends of the pitch. Compared to the St Albans game the previous week; the tempo and quality of the game and Bedford’s play was down a notch. However it was the home side making the better opportunities with Tarrant forcing a save from the young Chelmsford keeper and Steph Holyoak’s back post deflection striking the post.

As the first half wore on Chelmsford started to carry more of an attacking threat and were able to send a couple of penetrative passes into their forward who enjoyed a 1v1 battle throughout with captain Rachel Jackson. Jackson was generally able to snuff out the ball well however on a few occasions, second phase shots from supporting Chelmsford players were well dealt with by Leanne Sargeant in the Bedford goal.

At the break Bedford spoke about improving their passing quality. Chelmsford operated with a high press but Bedford were able to transfer the ball and play into the likes of Charlotte Holland and SJ Darrington who combined well down the right-hand side and had lots of space to exploit. With the game needing a spark, Beth Noble and Kate Costin combined to provide it. Bedford’s left back pushed high up the pitch and after a foul moved the ball then fired in an inch perfect pass for striker Costin to attack; she dived in front of her defender and the ball deflected high into the roof of the net for 1-0 to Bedford.

After the goal; Bedford grew in confidence and had a couple of chances to extend their lead. Costin found Holyoak at the back post but her attempt went wide, before a flowing team move saw Clare Bilham slip in Claire Higginson but her shot was blocked by the helmet of the advancing keeper whilst a volley drew a point-blank range save after Darrington’s dangerous cross. It wasn’t all going the home sides way however as the unfortunate Elli Priston, who was enjoying a fine game making tackles and bringing the ball out of defence well, was forced to withdraw with a suspected finger fracture.

Into the final ten minutes a controversial corner award gave the Essex side the opportunity to draw level with the initial shot blocked. Bryony Lund was quickest to the rebound and lifted the ball over Sargeant. Bedford had to be strong at the back with Turner and Noble calm in keeping the ball whilst Sargeant dealt well with a final Chelmsford corner leaving the points shared.

Bedford were disappointed not to win the contest in a game where they had much of the play but will have plenty to work on in training this week ahead of the trip to Southgate next weekend. With four points from the opening two games, Bedford are unbeaten in third place.

NB- The author wishes to make a correction of the report last week. It was in fact Beth Noble who should have been credited with the assist for the assist for Clare Bilham's wonderful goal; and also wishes to acknowledge Jenna Maclaren's role in the assist of the assist of the assist!