Unlucky defeat for Park Ladies against Real Bedford Reserves
Park Ladies 1, Real Bedford Reserves 2
The ladies welcomed Bedford to Parkfield determined to get some more points on the board.
They didn't have the best of starts, taking a while to settle and start playing football but they grew into the game and started to create chances.
Both teams began looking to find the opener, the game being played at a high tempo from end to end. Park were unlucky not to take the lead when Eilish Brown found herself in space at the far post, unfortunately not able to convert off her weaker foot and her shot finding the keeper.
Bedford had a real spell of pressure on the Park goal, forcing a corner, the resultant cross being palmed over by Sian Holcroft for a second set piece.
From this, the ball was punched away by Holcroft and the quick counter found Erin Powell who charged forward, played the ball inside, received it back and played through Fran Plitsch who picked her spot to slot home and put Park 1-0 up.
Park should have had a second five minutes later when a similar move released Georgia Stimson, she ran forward jumping a sliding challenge on her way towards the box but her shot on goal went just wide.
Bedford got themselves back in the game just before half-time when a through ball that looked to be heading off the pitch came off a defender, slowing it enough to allow the forward to run on to it and finish over the advancing keeper to make it 1-1 at the break.
A close game between two evenly matched sides, Park went into the second half looking to step up a gear.
The ladies played some good football, pressing forward and looking to find a second. Several shots missed their target and some resolute defending kept Park at bay.
However, against the run of play Bedford broke and added a second, a run breaking through the back line and the forward finishing at the far post to make it 2-1.
Park continued to pressure for an equaliser but not finding the final ball. Despite their efforts Park could not break through and Bedford held on to take the points.
Player of the Match was Sian Holcroft who made some crucial stops.
