DEA Bedford Over 30

DEA was locked in a battle to win the third half with Ipswich, finally outlasting them to keep their win streak alive. DEA knew they were in for a battle when they saw a card table set up, with a cutting board, fresh fruit, a crockpot, and plenty of other things to snack on. This Ipswich squad looked like they really knew how to bring it. DEA countered with the Magic Cooler, and eight thirsty livers. Oh, for the game, the news wasn't quite so bright. At match time, a paltry nine players were ready to take on an Ipswich squad who was typically one of the class squads in Division 1. Jon Cloutier's arrival just after the initial whistle brought it to ten, but still nowhere near enough to give DEA hope of taking home a win. DEA had hoped their days of fielding a short team for the road games was gone, but it appears that is not the case. The pitch in Beverly was lined as big as can be, and was in solid condition despite some recent rains. DEA knew they would have to defend smartly, and take advantage of any counters when they presented themselves. Ipswich's deft passing and the open spaces allowed for a 85%-15% possession advantage, but DEA put the clamp down in the final 20 yards and kept the chances to a minimum. The back tandem of John Demeritt, Dale Dubois, Chris Florek and Peter Cline did an outstanding job. Content to let Ipswich run the flanks, they cleared cross after cross and kept DEA keeper Chris Cloutier's action reasonable. Elvis Zukovic and Chris Laberge worked the middle of the field, with Rob Cissel and Jon Cloutier on the flanks. Tiressly up and down the pitch, they tried to create chances while ensuring they were back to defend. DEA tried to key off Mark Walinksy up top, but the bottom line is the holes in the lineup were evident. DEA could be proud that they held on until the half at 0-0. Cloutier was only upon to make one save, a 25 yard knuckling scorcher that he just punched away. Could they hang on for another 45? Fifteen minutes into the second half, that question was answered with a "no". After Cissel skyed to head clear, Ipswich settled 30 yards from goal. Cloutier was scrambling to get back into the net, but Ipswich central midfielder Rick Boomer did just that...ripping a hard drive that broke the ice. Ten minutes later, and questionable non-call on a handball along the touchline was costly. The ensuing cross was headed home and it was 2-0. Fifteen minutes from time, Daryl Zanardi took a short pace, turned neatly, and hammered home to close out the scoring. Cloutier was called upon to make a couple more saves to keep the scoring down. DEA can hold their heads high, especially the hard working Florek and Dubois by clearing chance after chance. 3-0, under the conditions, was a respectable result. DEA was left wondering how they would have done with a full squad and some subs against this solid team. Offensively, it was just too difficult to get anything under way. Laberge and Elvis did well on occasion, and can commended for their efforts. Ipswich looks to be a quality team, and the way the standings show so far there is definantly an upper and lower class. Seacoast, Ipswich, and Stoneham all have six points. Battling already to avoid relegation are DEA, Hollis, and Pepperell. DEA has already played two of the three upper echelons squads (with a postponement against Stoneham). The next two weeks sees DEA at Hollis and home against Pepperell. DEA will look to break into the win column soon. Getting some attendance would be a nice benefit, as the only way to know how DEA can stack up in this Division is if...well...if all of DEA shows up. Next week's game is at 9:30 in Hollis.