Womens 1 Vs Bedford 2

Saints made the short trip aiming to extend their excellent 8-game unbeaten run in 2018 against promotion-chasing Bedford 2s. The home side started the better, pressurising Saints with the speed and intensity of their attacks. Mel Harding was in good form in the Saints goal, repelling early threats, but eventually the pressure told. Harding made a good initial save at a Bedford penalty corner, but a forward seized on the rebound and finished well on the reverse stick side. In fast breaks Saints had threatened - providing them with encouragement for the second half.

Indeed, Saints were first out of the blocks in the second period as they began to dominate possession. They went close at a couple of penalty corners, Annie Cerveno turned a deflection just wide and then Georgia Grant rounded the home `keeper - only for the angle to be too narrow to turn the ball home. As the game moved in to the final minutes Bedford, re-asserting themselves, missed an opportunity to seal the match, but they managed to apply enough pressure high up the pitch to deny Saints any further clear opportunities and secure a narrow, hard-fought victory.

Player of the match for Saints, for the second week running, was youngster Charlie Churms, with a very assured midfield display - particularly notable as she has only recently been promoted from the club`s 2ndX1. Next week, Saints will be looking to bounce back - when they have a tough home fixture against East League 1N Champions Harleston Magpies, 1pm at Longsands.