DEA Bedford Over 30

The Bedford Pacers were led by Jeff Bailey's hat trick in securing their second win of the season, a 4-3 decision against Lowell. The Pacers started out very flat, and turned the ball over just outside the penalty area. Chris Cloutier would need to make a save off a point-blank shot five minutes into the contest. Lowell kept the ball in the Pacers' end, eventually forcing home the first goal of the match off a goal-mouth scramble. Bedford looked to equalize, with Bailey and Marco Koolman working the ball down low for a chance that would just miss it's mark. Lowell would turn a non-threatening break into a neat one-two. The drive would kiss of the far post, and it was 2-0 Lowell. This seemed to get the Pacers going a bit, as the ball was in their offensive end for most of remaining time in the half. Marco's chipped restart was deftly flicked into the far netting by Bailey to make it 2-1 at the break. The second half would see a much better Pacer effort. Controlling the ball and knocking it around, the Pacers had a glorious chance when Jeff Guild was sprung through on a clean break from Bailey. Guild's shot was rushed, and slipped awry. Moments later, Lowell would break through on a clean break of their own. Cloutier would slide out to thrwart the attempt and keep it at a one-goal game. The save would prove vital, as Jamie New Guy (making his Pacers' debut), would serve a ball from the far right sidelines into Bailey inside the eighteen. Bailey would drive a low, hard shot for his second of the game and the match was all knotted. Minutes later, Peter Cline and Bailey would again find Jeff Guild streaking down the left side. This time Guild, fearing another verbal admonishing from Dale Dubois, would push his shot with the outside of this right foot for the go-ahead goal. A BIG goal for the Pacers, as they took a 3-2 lead on the play. With under 10 minutes left, Lowell would have a restart opportunity right at the top of the box. Lowell would drive the shot off the post, leaving Cloutier cemented to his line (again), but the referee would award a mulligan as he didn't blow his whistle to restart the play. Instead of trying a similar shot, this time the Lowell player would inexplicably slip a soft pass across the top of the box to a startled teammate. Cliney would pick it off and clear it deeply away. His clearance attempt was taken by Bailey, and he dribbled through, around, and by an assortment of Lowell personnel and deposited the insurance tally. Lowell would get one back in the waning moments to bring the final score to 4-3. A better effort than recent weeks for the Pacers. Marco and Chris Laberge's control of the midfield was vital to the Pacers' attack. Bailey netting three goals was very helpful as well. Peter Cline, Dale, Paul Cote, Rob Easton, and Chris Florek stymied much of Lowell's forays into Pacer territory. Jamie New Guy and Johnnie Guild each ran the flanks well in support of the offense. Pacers close out their home season next Sunday against Windham. Always a war, Pacers look to get to .500 to end the session. Game time is 9:00.