DEA Bedford Over 30

The Bedford Pacers dropped another tough game to Ipswich in their rematch, 4-3. The game seemed nearly as odd as Friday night's game. The slick conditions after a rather hard rain would prove to have a factor. Bedford took an early lead when Paul Cleary sent Deco in clean. He slipped home from short range. Ipswich came back with a 25-yeard scorcher that left Bedford keeper Chris Cloutier stunned. The game ebbed and flowed, with neither side showing any true dominance. Bedford soon started to impart more pressure, finally breaking through once again when Deco scored his second. After a corner kick was knocked around, George Weigricht sent a cross back across the net. Chris Laberge skyed up and kept the ball alive to Deco. Deco nodded that home and Bedford was back in front. As Bedford kept the pressure on for some insurance, both Paul Cleary and Scott Sharby had good chances that were turned aside. In the final 5 minutes of the half, Ipswich began assert themselves more. First a header would bang off the bar, then moments later another header was smartly saved. As the clock wore down, Cloutier had to make a great save by pushing aside a shot bound for the far upper 90. Bedford hung on for the halftime lead. Just as they did Friday, Bedford allowed Ipswich to get two quick goals to start the second half. The first resulted in a turnover in the backfield, which allowed for an open shot from eight yards. The second was off a nice little through ball that sent a player in clean. Not do be outdone, Bedford kept at it, and finally levelled when Cleary slammed home Chris Laberge's cross from short range. Then the fireworks began. The "referee" (or at least that was what he think he was as he stood there with a whistle and a yellow shirt on), had every player on the edge of their seats with every call. The Pacers finally had enough, and the game got more and more verbal. Mr. "Referee" then proceeded to dish out a good half-dozen yellow cards for dissent and general mayhem. The game was starting to spiral out of control. Dale then pushed his luck, and finally was sent off. Rob Easton was almost right behind him. Bedford was now playing with 10 men for the last 12 minutes. After a missed offsides call, Ipswich found themselves streaking through three-on-one. The play slowed, and a pass was sent to another offisdes player. Again the call was missed. This time, Cloutier came up big again by stopping the shot. Deco cleared the rebound off an Ipswich player, but to finish off the trifecta the ref called a corner. Hoo-boy! With under five minutes left, a long lofting shot was sent to the far bar. Cloutier got up and tried to push it over the bar, but didn't get enough of it and it fell softly into the net. Ipswich had their lead back. Could Bedford mount another comeback? With just over a minute left, Cleary sent a streaking Laberge through. His first touch was true, and with a defender climbing all over his back Laberge got good position and prepared to have a go. He was hauled down inside the box, and for once Mr. "Referee" made the right call by immediately pointing to the spot. This was their chance. Paul Cleary took the shot, but the footing gave way and his drive whistled off the outside of the post. Four-three Ipswich would be the final. It's tough to drop two games when you score seven goals. Ipswich has a good squad, and a classy one as well. After the match, their captain searched us out to advise they felt the refereeing was horibble, and offered to protest the game with us. Hopefully, this "Referee" can go back to his youth games he was apparently trained for. Back at it next Sunday in Westford.