DEA Bedford Over 30

Chris Laberge's hat trick would lead the way over Pepperell as Bedford evened their record on the season to 2-2. With an slim sideline, Bedford started off with a very strong opening 15 minutes and showed they had the better side. Laberge staked Bedford to a 2-nil lead almost single handedly. Dale set up Laberge's first tally on the evening. His second was a classy finish after being sent through by John Demerritt. Jamie New Guy looked to make it three when he danced through four players, and had a great opportunity from just inside the box. However, his efforts were fruitless as his shot was left wanting. As the game stretched on, Pepperell got one back off a nifty header. Minutes later, they were sent in clear only to be denied by sliding Bedford keeper Chris Cloutier. The halftime break would arrive with Bedford up 2-1. Early in the second half, Dale's crushing tackle brought down a Pepperell player in the box. The ref took not an instant before pointing to the stripe. However, the PK was poorly taken and scooted wide by two yards. Soon after, with two injured Pacers on the sidelines and Bedford playing with 10 men on the pitch, Pepperell levelled with a quirky outside of the foot bender that Cloutier could only watch. The momentum had clearly turned, and Bedford's first half dominance was long gone. With under twenty minutes left, an offsides Pepperell play was sent clear, only to be denied by Cloutier again with a Patrick Roy-like kick save. Bedford was clearly not playing with the same intensity that brought them their early lead. Pepperell's efforts finally paid off when another offsides player was again sent clear. This time, the finish was better. Bedford, despite showing themselves as the better squad early, were down and the clock was winding down. Thankfully, Johnnie Guild strapped on another coat of tape and made his way back on the pitch. Great fire, Johnnie! In the 80th minute, a long clear by Cloutier found Jeff Bailey down the left side. Bailey slipped a pass to Jeff Guild, who ripped a short, sharp, shot into the lower corner to bring the match to level. What would the last 10 minutes bring? That question would be answered in extra time when Bailey again sent a cross into the box. This time, it was Laberge who scaled the ladder and nodded home the winner. Bedford breathed a collective sigh of relief with their second late winner in the last three days. Kudos go to Mark Walinsky and Rich Powlowski for solid matches. Powlowski's track back, with the shark fin up, to hinder a clear opportunity late quite possibility saved the match. Chris Florek was sanctioned after the match for going to an Indoor Tournament instead of the match. Bedford and Pepperell meet again on Sunday morning in Bedford. A great win everybody!!