DEA Bedford Over 30

The Bedford Pacers came back from three different deficits against Ipswich, but ran out of time for another comeback in losing, 5-4. The Friday Night 6:30 makeup game in Ipswich had the makings of a difficult evening. The situation was made even worse when the ref didn’t show. By the time the efforts for finding a ref were ditched, it was 7:00 and the sun had almost set. An Ipswich player stood there with a whistle for us. To make matter worse, Ipswich stormed ahead right out of the gate by scoring in the 3rd minute. Not a good way to start. Bedford held a majority of the play, but battled for almost the entire half still down. Deco finally broke through by powering home from close range off a scramble. Jeff Bailey’s great cross to George Weigricht set the play in motion. After one good save by Bedford keeper Chris Cloutier, both sides went into the half knotted at one. The Pacers felt confident as they were the better team in the first half. Unfortunately for Bedford, the second half took on an almost surreal tone, with play looking like a inter-squad scrimmage with a barrage of goals. In the opening minute, an open shot by Ipswich rang off the bar. A minute later Ipswich broke through with pace and slotted home their second. Ten minutes later, a lower screamer from 20 yards slipped by Cloutier, whose fun was just beginning. Ipswich had the lead, 3-1. Bedford came back with abondan, dominating play and chances. They got the deficit back to one when Deco nodded his second off another Bailey feed. Weigricht then nudged home Marco Koolman’s cross and Bedford was back to level in the twilight. Not to be outdone, Ipswich again took the lead off another open header. The same player was causing havoc for the Pacers, scoring all their goals. Curses. With a minute left, in near total darkness, Paul Cleary roofed a drive from short range, and unbelievably Bedford was all tied up. Just as unbelievably, Ipswich took the restart, walked down the field, and slammed home the winner 8 seconds later. The drive knuckled with pace right at Cloutier, who could only waive at a shot barely seen. That’s your final, 5-4. Probably the oddest game I’ve ever seen. Kudos to the linkups between Cleary, Koolman, Bailey and Deco. The chances they created was envisioned before the season. Look for the rematch Sunday morning in Bedford. Game time is 9:00 AM.