Womens 1 Vs Bedford 2

Saints were edged out in a close encounter with local rivals Bedford (II) at Longsands on Saturday. Bedford were the first to settle, pushing Saints back on to the defensive, without, however, creating clear-cut openings. Just as Saints were coming in to the game, they fell behind as the visitors opportunistically seized on a fortunate rebound from the post.

The deficit was doubled early in the second half through a strong Bedford penalty corner strike. Saints responded well and now enjoyed their best period of the game. The visiting `keeper saved well from Elanor Pybus`s penalty corner strike and Kate Clark was thwarted at close range. With 15 minutes remaining Kelly Bingham finished well - to herald an exciting close to the game. The spirited Saints side continued to push, looking for an equaliser. It wasn’t to be, the game was finally settled in the last couple of minutes with a Bedford penalty stroke resulting from a break-away penalty corner.

The scoreline was harsh on Saints who had matched the visitors in a good second-half performance. There were lots of positives for Saints to build on as they prepare to make the tough, long trip to Norfolk to face Harleston Magpies (II) next Saturday.