DEA Bedford Over 30

The Bedford Pacers finally got off their schnide in downing Billerica, 2-1. Bedford upped their record to 1-2 on the young campaign. It was a cold, dreary, windy morning. Bedford elected to take the wind at their backs in an effort to come out strong. And, come out strong they did by thoroughly dominating the first half. Midway through the first half, a short corner played by Rob Cissel to Rob Easton left Easton dancing along the endline. He found sweeper Doug Alderton chugging down the lane. Easton left a short pass just past the puddle, and Alderton slammed it home from short distance for the 1-0 lead. Bedford had two more glorious chances that didn't meat with fruition. First, Jeff Bailey took a Chris Laberge feed, had a look, and sent a skipper just off the near post. Later, Gary DuPlessis, and workhorse all day, had a solid opportunity in front, but his shot was left wanting after wallowing in the mud. Halftime saw the arrival of Alan Gagnon. Gagnon made an immediate impact with his distribution skills. Unfortunately, two hard tackles within minutes of each other were both rewarded with bookings. Pacer was left to hold off a more-confident Billerica squad with only 10 men. However, Pacer keeper Chris Cloutier allowed a howler, providing Billerica with the leveler on a silver platter. Cloutier tried a quick restart on a goal kick. His cheeky chip, against the wind, was poorly contrived. By the time Bedford started to scramble back in position, Alderton was pulling the tying goal from the back of the vacant net. Not pretty indeed. Now it appeared Bedford was left to play for a point, while Billerica tried to take advantage of the extra player. However, the Pacers wouldn't sit back and box it in. With just over a minute left in the match, Chris Florek came steaming down the right flank. Florek slipped a dart through Billerica's defence to Laberge. Laberge got just enough of a touch, redirecting the winner to the short side. Cloutier screamed in relief. Bedford has a home-and-home with Pepperell this week. Wednesday evening will be a make-up of the previously cancelled season opener. Next Sunday will be back at Legacy. Great Win!