DEA Bedford Masters 2

DEA weathered the hiccup last week and came out flying against Westford.  DEA started early and never let up while pasting Westford 4-0 to keep their hold on 1st place.  The afternoon results showed Groton beating the Irish, meaning DEA is back in front of NS Internationals by two-points; the Irish by four.

DEA dominated possession nearly the entire match.  Sportsman's Field was well cared for, with a proper mow before the match and the field lined for a wide pitch.  This fell right into DEA's hands.

At the 15-minute mark, industrious efforts by Jeff Guild and Jim Walker on the right flank allowed Walker to skate along the touchline unemcumbered.  Walker selfishlessly fed Jim McCall, who was alone four yards from goal.  McCall easily touched home from close range and DEA was off to an early 1-0 lead.

Controversy errupted on DEA's second goal.  When team patriarch Dale Dubois launched a left-footed cannon from 40 yards out,  Westford's keeper became pre-occupied with Scott Sharby inside the area.  Initially, the goal was given to Dubois as it appeared Sharby didn't get a foot to it.  However, the Dubious Goal Review confirmed that Sharby did get a touch to it and was awarded the goal.  Either way, it launched DEA into a 2-0 halftime lead.

Early in the second half, another pretty passing display saw McCall loft a cross into the box where Walker rose to meet it.  He flicked past his defender where Steve Bicknell was waiting to head home from close range to give DEA a commanding lead.

McCall would close out the scoring, and take over the goal-scoring lead from Walker at the same time, when he finished late for the 4-0 final.

DEA plays host to Groton next week.  With the current standings showing DEA with a close, two-point lead over NS Internationals, DEA must avoid a 'trap game' next week ast it travels to NS the following week.  NS travels to the Irish next week.  With DEA in front of NS by two, and NS in front of the Irish by two, whoever loses that game next week will see their title chances dealt a death blow.  The only remaining X-factor is that both NS & DEA are in card-point trouble, with each team sporting 8 points with three matches left.