DEA Bedford Over 30

Windham's huge striker, Kirk, would own the Pacers, scoring 4 goals and assisting on another, leading Windham to a 5-4 victory over the Bedford Pacers. The Pacers finish in second place with a 6-2-2 record. The results of the protested Lowell game are not necessary, as Hollis' 7-1-2 record, coupled with their superior goal-differential, means Bedford can only finish in second. They start the playoffs next Sunday on the road. Location is still TBD. Kirk would get Windham going at the 15 minute mark. A cross left two players isolated on one defender, and he ripped a 6 yard shot through Chris Cloutier's shaking legs to get them the early lead. Windham would come back 10 minutes later, when Kirk broke free and went around Cloutier. His cross to an open player was put into the open net, and it was 2-0. The Pacers were playing well, but didn't show much urgency to finish out the job. Cloutier did have to make two great saves to keep the score down, but the play of the half was Paul Cote volleying a ball off the line to keep the halftime score close. Kirk would benefit from a furtuitous bounce early in the second half, and he would drive a low shot to the far side webbing to make it 3-0. The Pacers finally got on the board, when Scott Sharby headed home a Rob Easton cross. Minutes later, Alan Gagnon would hammer a short-side shot home, and they were back to 3-2. The Pacers would tie it up when Paul Cleary took another Easton cross and headed that home. The momentum would swing back, as Kirk, playing in an offsides position, cleanly bit Cloutier again to restore Windham's lead. The momentum pendulum was kept busy, as the Pacers would again tie it when Jeff Bailey finished from a yard out with 10 minutes left. Paul Cleary would get the helper. Unfortunately, Cloutier's nightmare day would come to an end when Kirk lined up a 35 yard blast that completely blew by the Pacers' stunned keeper for the winner with two minutes left. Look for updates regarding the playoff schedule to come out shortly. With a few games to make up in the Division 2's Southern Conference, it looks right now like the Pacers are going to travel to Canton to take on the South Boston Bohemians. That could change over the next few days. Overall, a real solid season by the Pacers. A big turnaround from last year's three-win season in Division 2. However, they must be concerned as they have given up 17 goals in the last 6 games, after allowing only 5 in the first 4. To be successful, they must tighten up the back line and mark their men much closer than they have. Allowing forwards to turn and attack will continue to cost them. Better defensive effort from the midfield will be needed as well. The Pacers will score goals...that much is definate. With 36 goals in 10 games, their high-powered offense proved they can score goals in bunches when they are clicking. Look for more of that in the playoffs.