Valiant effort from Bedford Ladies

Martin Mason McLeod kept faith with the squad that had gathered 4 for 6 points in the last two weeks for the visit of Cambridge City and closed season signing Olympic Gold Medallist Helen Richardson-Walsh. Bedford started the game badly and their tempo was slow so City dominated and raced into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes both from penalty corners routines.

Thankfully the maroons responded well and started to play more aggressively and press their opponents with good work up front from Clare Bilham and Claire Higginson. Bedford were now starting to compete in the 50-50’s and Emma Pinny was at the heart of Bedford’s renewed vigour. At the back; birthday girl Rachel Jackson was starting to control the transfer with SJ Darrington making vital tackles. Before half time, Bedford managed to create a few half chances with Costin and Tarrant making the circle but not able to capitalise whilst Priston’s excellent mazy run and shot on the turn was repelled by the Cambridge keeper. However, it was not all smooth sailing for Bedford who lost Steph Holyoak to injury (later confirmed as two broken fingers) whilst Leanne Sargeant made a couple of excellent saves to keep Bedford within touching distance.

After half time and again Bedford looked to play on the front foot in a fierce midfield contest. Jenna Maclaren and Beth Noble battled hard to set the tone and now it was Bedford edging the possession stats whilst City were certainly less of an attacking threat due to tight marking from Sam Turner and the Bedford back line. Bedford were knocking at the door but the city defence was proving solid. Charlotte Holland managed to break through one on one and was close to finding the top corner with her shot, whilst Bedford were often just lacking that final touch or decisive deflection. Penalty corners were looking threatening with Jackson on the strike and Bedford did pull one goal back when Turner trapped the keepers kick and Costin finished on her reverse from close range despite the best efforts of the players on the line.

With strong home support Bedford went in search of another goal. Bilham and Becca Budd were trying to create space and pockets of play around the circle but in the end the clock ran down and Bedford came away proud of the team effort but on the wrong end of a 2-1 score. Next week Bedford travel to league leaders Hampstead and Westminster looking for an upset in their final game before the Christmas break.