Bedford draw against Magpies in Sunday spectacular

Bedford coach Martin Mason-McLeod selected a squad of 14 players for the visit of Harleston Magpies to Bedford School, with the hockey centre hosting the annual junior tournament, and the only Sunday fixture of the league campaign didn’t disappoint on the incident factor in a highly competitive contest.

After both teams observed a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day, Bedford made a bright start and immediately looked to press their opponents, who started the match on one-point fewer than the maroon army. On the 6th minute Bedford attacked down the right and broke the deadlock. Sam Turner found Kate Costin in the circle and her upright reverse ball found Clare Bilham at the back post whose deflected shot went over the line before it could be scrambled away.

Bedford enjoyed good spells of possession working the ball well out of defence into the midfield trio of Jenna Maclaren, Emma Pinny and Beth Noble. The forwards, including Steph Holyoak, looked to get in behind but the Magpies defence were stepping well and, in Emma Lee-Smith, they had a player able to find gaps with passes. However, Elli Priston and Rachel Jackson made some excellent tackles to keep the lead going into half time. A penalty corner went narrowly wide but generally it was a tight contest with few chances.

After the break, the game stepped up a gear with the watching crowd getting into the game. Bedford were in the ascendancy with Becky Tarrant, Becca Budd and Charlotte Holland more influential whilst SJ Darrington was quick to support the play from her right defence berth. Again, Priston was a standout performer displaying excellent passing range and bringing the ball forward. However, Magpies probably had the better chances with Leanne Sargeant called into action making a phenomenal stop with her body from point blank range before getting down low with her glove from a penalty corner. Midway through, the game was levelled as Harleston converted a corner.

Bedford responded well with pressure of their own until the final whistle with Tarrant unable to convert at the back post whilst efforts from Jackson and Bilham were repelled. Tensions continued to run high but in the end neither team could find the winning goal so the spoils were shared. This coming Saturday, Bedford are back at Chester Road and host 4th placed Cambridge City – push back 2-30.