Womens 1 Vs Bedford 2  

Disappointingly Saints weren`t able to build on last week`s excellent home victory, losing 3-6 in an exciting encounter at local rivals Bedford (II).  Saints started well, taking the lead when Caroline Osborne followed in on a rebound off the home `keeper to force the ball home. Bedford equalised a few minutes later, again from close range. Amy Harley was enjoying an excellent debut in the Saints goal and she made a good first save from a strong, high Bedford shot - but a Bedford forward seized on the rebound to give them the lead. Saints fought back well and levelled with another opportunistic finish from Caz Osborne, this time at a penalty corner. Saints should have gone to the break on level terms, but conceded possession cheaply and Bedford scored from a resulting penalty corner right on the half-time whistle.

At the beginning of the second half Saints enjoyed their best period of the game, dominating possession. Captain Paula Bingham went close, but Saints couldn’t find an equaliser. The game was settled in a crucial 10 minute spell, Bedford scoring 3 goals as they were allowed to penetrate the Saints circle all too easily. Saints responded by scoring the goal of the game – an excellent deflection by Katie Bates, rounding of a good Saints move - but unfortunately it was too little and too late to signal a Saints comeback.

Player of the match unanimously went to young Amy Harley for her confident and assured debut in the Saints goal, producing some fine saves. There were many positive aspects of the game for Saints who had matched a strong, experienced Bedford side for long periods - they will look to build on these when they face Lowestoft at home at Longsands next Saturday (1pm).