DEA Bedford Over 30

On a tough mid-week travel game, two hours from home, Bedford Pacers managed to rally 10 players to take on Marblehead in an effort to save their season. They may have done just that with a thrilling, methodical 1-0 victory this evening. Later, Pepperell upset Billerica 4-2 to keep the pressure on. No team is mathematically forced into relegation yet, but the pressure is now on Marblehead to sweep their weekend series with Hollis. If Bedford beats Billerica on Sunday, they will definantly stay in Division 2, with no outside help needed. Kudos to the referee and to the classy Marblehead squad as they held up the opening tap while some Pacers fought their way through traffic to make the game. Bedford started with nine players, and Chris Florek arrived 5 minutes in to provide the important 10th player. Realizing they were short, Bedford spread out the field the best they could and played with full concentration. Every pass, shot, defensive stance, and save was deliberate with no wasted efforts. To be able to hang in there, it was important not to fall behind early and get out of their game. Going ahead would be even better. Bedford got their wish 12 minutes in when Flo sent Jeff Guild down the right side. Guild settled and slipped a short pass to Mark Walinsky near the touch line. Walinsky looked up and found a wide open John Guild in the box. He lofted his cross over Marblehead's keeper and John Guild nodded home a very important tally. That play was just huge. This proved to Marblehead that Bedford wasn't going to lie down despite their predicament. Twenty minutes in, Marblehead go their first chance with a ripping shot destined for the short side. Pacer keeper Chris Cloutier pawed it wide and left them with a corner kick. On the ensuing kick, their drive weaved through players and after a short keystone-cop routine, their shot bounded off the post and went wide. Marblehead's best chance of the night went for nothing. Five minutes later, Cloutier was forced to make his best save of the evening when a hard, dipping shot from just inside the 18 that had 'upper ninety' written all over it. Cloutier punched it over the bar. A confidence building stretch needed after Sunday's meltdown against Hollis. Bedford was not out of the woods yet, however. With 10 minutes left in the half, a turnover in the corner and ensuing cross forced Cloutier and a Marblehead player to collide and left Marblehead with an open net from 15 yards out. Somehow, Peter Cline hustled back and cleared an open opportunity aside. Bedford's alert play all over was just outstanding. At the half, Bedford was pleased with their performance. For the third straight game, they held the opposition scoreless in the first half. Solid play by Gary DuPlessis, Doug Alderton, and Jamie New Guy was the key. They were all over the pitch and kept Bedford organized in the back. The second half saw Bedford box it in and pony up with their most solid defensive play of the year. First, everyone was tracking back to defend when needed. JD came up huge, absolutely huge, in winning a clearing header with two players draped all over him. Cloutier made two more great saves, one a long range ripper that he parried aside and the second was to come sliding out on a clean break. Seemed the Soccer Gods were looking upon the Pacers favorably this evening. Bedford was forced to defend for almost 35 minutes in the second half. Players legs were wilting, but success was awarded by their methodical play and strong mental concentration. By not trying to do too much, and playing within themselves, they provided the tonic for success. With darkness now upon them, the referee finally blew the whistle to end the match and ensuring the Pacers' fourth win of the year. After the game, there was a ten-way tie for "Man of the Match". This was a total team effort by Bedford. An absolutely HUGE win. Bedford is not out of the woods yet, but their destiny is in their own hands this Sunday. Billerica's loss to Pepperell puts them in jeopardy of relegation. They will be bringing their 'A' game on Sunday against the Pacers. Great win!!!!!!