Kelly and Fran double up as Bedford ooze six appeal
BEDFORD HOCKEY CLUB LADIES 6 LOWESTOFT 0
East Premier
Bedford secured their biggest victory since February 2007 as they thrashed mid table Lowestoft 6-0 at Chester Road with goal doubles from Kelly Bingham and Fran Lee.
Bedford selected the same 14 players that made an impressive second half comeback to take all three points against Ipswich last week.
However, it was the visitors from Suffolk who threatened first in this week's contest with Leanne Sargeant making a fantastic low reaction save down to her right from a short corner in the opening minutes.
From then on, it was all one-way traffic as Bedford attacked at will and looked dangerous every time they got into the circle, with their opponents unable to cope with the match tempo set.
The first goal was a tremendously well worked team goal which stemmed from the joint player-of-the-match Nic Pether’s great tackle on her own base line. Bedford then broke decisively and at pace through Katherine Winger, Lee and Natalia Norford, all employing one touch passes, up the pitch. Kate Costin picked up the ball on the 25, her through ball dissected the Lowestoft defence leaving Bingham one-on-one with the keeper. She took a touch before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the goal, putting the home side in the driving seat.
Within minutes the Maroons had extended their lead as Costin stole the ball on the left, beat her defender then sent in a reverse stick cross for the diving Connie Mason to tuck home her sixth goal of the season.
Lowestoft only threatened on the break and Sarah Walsh, Elli Priston, SJ Darrington and Pether were always up to the task, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances and more often that not, able to support Winger and Sherri Skene’s play at the heart of the Bedford midfield.
The third came from a short corner as Winger's firm strike was deflected past the keeper by Lee - who also joined Pether as player-of-the-match - and just seconds before half time Lee scored again, this time after a fantastic run and pull back by youngster Maya Thrasher.
Lowestoft were unable to live with Bedford’s aggressive attacking hockey played in the first half and a 4-0 lead was no more than what the team’s performance deserved.
Into the second 35 minutes and Bedford tried to guard against complacency but despite starting the half well, a tricky 15 minute spell saw Bedford lower their intensity and get sucked back towards their own goal. Possession was conceded cheaply but Lowestoft were not able to capitalise and put any pressure on Sargeant goal.
Eventually, Bedford started play again and threatened to extend their lead further with Childs, Lee, Bingham and Costin all supporting the Bedford forwards to good effect.
Into the final ten minutes and Lowestoft lost some concentration defensively and conceded several short corners where Bedford took full advantage with two more goals.
The first saw Bingham score a masterful deflection from an impossible angle after getting on the end of Norford's strike to the near post, which Lowestoft had to hold up their hands and admit it was just a good goal.
The second came moments later from the impressive Skene who tucked home a rebound on her reverse after Winger’s initial strike was blocked by the keeper.
Overall, it was a great result for Bedford, taking them up to third in the league, ahead of this weekend's trip to Sevenoaks where they hope that the building momentum can be maintained.
