DEA Bedford Masters 2

DEA beat the roosters' calls and saddled up the ponies for an 8:00 match against Irish Village.  The Irish were the only team to blemish DEA's record this year when they laid a 2-1 "L" on DEA to start the season.  Since then, DEA won four straight games while the Irish stumbled, allowing for DEA to head into today's showdown with a four-point advantage.  They would leave West Roxbury with a one-point advantage as Irish again topped DEA, 4-2.

The refereeing, while not the cause of the defeat, certainly didn't help DEA as the ref stood tethered to the center-circle and waited for players to yell loudly before making a call.  Since yelling on the pitch is one of the Irish' strong points, this tactic would prove fruitful. 

The first half saw very few chances on either side cause much worry.  The whistle would blow with the score 0-0, and DEA feeling good since they had weathered the high winds in their face and would be playing with it at their backs for the second half.

Five minutes into the half, Jim Walker tracked down a loose ball in the corner and after a scrum in the middle, vaulted home from close range to give DEA a lead and the momentum.

The Irish, however, came right back with a scorching drive two minutes later to level.  Even more disheartening for DEA, a midfield turnover allowed for a fast break down the right wing.  The Irish fired from 25 yards out, and it somehow sneaked by DEA Keeper Doug Henion to the short post and DEA was suddenly down a goal.

Just after the clock recorded it's 80th minute, Walker again tallied for DEA when he beat the keeper to a head-ball and touched home from close range to level for DEA.

Incredibly, DEA allowed Irish right back into it with another turnover, and another short side shot and DEA was back down.  

Irish would again intimidate the referee and slotted home from close range in the waning moments to close out the scoring.

A disapointing effort for DEA.  Having allowed a six goals in the first five games, they allowed the Irish to put up a four-spot and close the gap to a single point.

DEA now looks to run the table in their last four games.  With the Irish close on their heels and holding the tiebreaker advantage, it would behoove DEA to not drop any points to maintain their slim lead.  Fortunately, DEA is home for 3 of the last 4 games.  However, if they don't get better midfield play, goaltending, defensive marking, and improved offensive finishing, their chances of taking the title looks dim.

On a more positive note, after being shooed away from the pitch after the game, DEA sauntered over to another pitch for the 3rd half festivities.  The final quartet of Dale, Bic, Chris, and 'Berg decided to call it a day around 3:00 pm.   The may play sloppy on the pitch at times, but there isn't a team in the state that can touch them in the 3rd half.