Hockey Gate | First defeat for Bedford

With Zoe Burford out with a broken hand and Clare Bilham unavailable Martin Mason McLeod took a 15 player strong squad down to Trent Park. Bedford, playing in their white change strip, started well and created two chances within the first five minutes. However, for the rest of the first half it was Southgate who controlled the game, playing some great hockey, always first to the loose ball and quick to move it forward. Excellent movement in the Southgate midfield created opportunities for their captain Caitlin Wales and Frankie Cox, both in from open play leaving Bedford 2-0 down. When Bedford did have the ball, possession was frequently squandered and very little was created in an attacking sense apart from where the Southgate keeper thwarted Steph Holyoak after a through ball from Becca Budd.

After the break, Bedford changed their tact and looked to utilise a powerplay with a Southgate player sin binned with a yellow card. Bedford’s intensity and quality improved and now it was the visitors making turnovers and finding gaps in the Southgate defence. The Southgate keeper was being tested with captain Rachel Jackson looking to find a way back for her side through penalty corners. Claire Higginson was thwarted with a lifted shot at the near post with again the Southgate keeper coming out on top, whilst there were further opportunities for Becky Tarrant and Kate Hawkins.

Bedford were making all the running with Emma Pinny using her boundless energy to breakup play and get Bedford on the front foot. Elli Priston was also enjoying a brilliant game with some perfectly timed tackles despite having a broken finger and she earned the player of the match accolades. SJ Darrington and Beth Noble were coming forward from their half back berths and Jenna Maclaren looking for forward options it was now Bedford with the bit between their teeth.

Midway through the second half and Bedford had a golden chance to get back into the contest as striker Kate Costin was fouled by the Southgate goalie but Costin missed the target from the spot however shortly after she did find the back of the net after Jackson’s pass was deflected into her path and she calmly slotted home. Unfortunately for Bedford moments later, Southgate struck a sucker punch goal with their first chance of the second half to put the game out of reach and a defensive error saw the final score 4-1 to Southgate.

Bedford will need to regroup ahead of the visit of leaders Hampstead and Westminster to Chester Road next weekend; push back at 2-30.