Barnes get the better of Bedford

Martin Mason-McLeod made one change from the squad with Claire Higginson unavailable and after a good weeks training, Bedford were in confident spirits. However straight from the first whistle, the Barnes side, coached by Bedford captain Rachel Jackson’s brother, took the initiative and with that the game to Bedford. Barnes took an early lead with a quick attack down their right which left the Bedford defence chasing to no avail. It was a game of few chances mainly played 25 to 25 but Barnes were strong defensively and the maroons were lacking creativity.

Barnes had the stronger first half and Jackson and Elli Priston who was man of the match alongside her were making some excellent tackles. Bedford were building play and possession through their midfielders but there were too many unforced errors at vital moments.
Into the second half and it was all one-way traffic as Bedford pushed for an equaliser. All the play was from the home side, but the Barnes defence was solid and resolute and was rarely broken down. Midway through the second half and Bedford forced a couple of short corner opportunities but Jackson was thwarted and only a few other half chances were created. There was lots of space for full backs SJ Darrington and Sam Turner but as Bedford pressed forward they were caught on the break with a cross converted first time past the diving Leanne Sargeant.

Time was running out for Bedford and the final whistle brought disappointment. This weekend, there is chance to bounce back straight away against bottom side Chelmsford who only have one point to their name, earned at Chester Road earlier in the season. Push Back at Chelmer Park 2-30