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Match Report: Bedford Town Bells 0 - 3 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

Posted on: Mon 17 Sep 2007

Sunday 16th September 2007 at the Eyrie, Bedford Town FC

Match Report: Bedford Town Bells 0 - 3 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

(South East Combination)

After the disappointment of last weekend's defeat against Lewes, Diamonds Ladies bounced back with a comprehensive win against Bedford Town Bells to maintain their challenge at the top. Four changes were made from the previous Sunday, with player-manager Vicky Gallagher returning to the starting line-up together with Amy O'Brien, Anna McLeod while Charlene Ward replaced Nicola Raith in goal. Aileen Whelan and Fay Howell dropped down to the bench. Former Bedford midfielder Laura Dunn wore the captain's armband. Bedford Town Bells had not had the best of starts with three defeats from their opening three games of the season leaving them rooted to the bottom of the League table with AFC Wimbledon.

Diamonds started confidently with some good passing and possession. They had a good chance within the opening few minutes when Jade Linnell created some space in the area and hit the ball against the post, before some desperate defending eventually cleared the ball to safety.

On 15 minutes, Diamonds took the lead. Michaela Welford and Vicky Gallagher combined well taking the ball towards the Bedford area. A mix up between Donna Coombes and keeper Kate Lamacraft allowed Vicky Gallagher the chance to run on to the loose ball and roll it into the empty net.

Jade Linnell and Laura Dunn were starting to control the midfield with some excellent passing as Diamonds looked to increase their lead. On 19 minutes, Diamonds made it two when the ball was played out of the corner to Anna McLeod. Her pass into the area split the Bedford defenders and allowed Mikaela Welford the chance to place a low shot past the keeper.

Diamonds looked as if they may inflict a heavy defeat on the home side. Gallagher just failed to get on the end of a Molly Marsh cross, while the keeper fumbled a cross from Gallagher almost allowing Welford to take advantage before Camille Stephens cleared for a corner.

Bedford's chances were restricted to a long shot from Ali Hayes, although Stephens was fortunate not to score at the wrong end as she diverted the ball inches wide of her own goal. On 38 minutes, a collision between Lesley-Anne Seaman and Rosie Thurston held play up for several minutes, the Diamonds centre back remaining sidelined for nearly ten minutes. While she was off receiving attention, keeper Charlene Ward was also hurt, injuring her foot in a challenge trying to clear a weak backpass.

During the eight minutes of added time, both side struck the woodwork. With Ward obviously suffering from her injury, Bells nearly clawed a goal back after Donna McGuigan's fierce shot struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced out. At the other end, Charly Wright's corner was flicked on by Gallagher to Welford at the far post. She played the ball back in for Laura Dunn to place a header onto the bar.

HT: Bedford Town Bells 0 - 2 Rushden & Diamonds

Charlene Ward was unable to continue for the second half and without a substitute keeper, Charly Wright took on the goalkeeper's jersey with Katie Loydall coming on and moving into midfield. Bedford immediately tried to take advantage and pushed forward to try to get a goal that would get them back in the game but they were unable to find a way through the visitor's defence. Diamonds were always going to be dangerous on the break and on 51 minutes, Kate Lamacraft had to race out to push away a through ball from Laura Dunn as Gallagher chased down.

The Diamonds defence tried to protect the rooky keeper as much as possible as they came under pressure, although Wright produced a safe pair of hands to gather a Phillipa Copley free-kick. Despite Bedford having more of the early possession, it was Diamonds who were still creating the better chances. Katie Loydall was causing problems down the left flank, while Dunn was busy in midfield and when she dispossessed Camille Stephens, Gallagher rounded the keeper only to have a shot headed off the line by Donna Coombes.

Amy O'Brien, Kelly Robinson and Rosie Thurston were looking really solid at the back, although Wright had to make another good save after 60 minutes from Lesley-Anne Seaman. Bedford seemed to have a lot of possession without making much impact against the resolute defence. Aileen Whelan replaced Mikaela Welford midway through the second half with Loydall moving forward. Diamonds continued to soak up the pressure as Bedford had a succession of corners which culminated in Donna McGuigan shooting wide from long range.

With five minutes remaining, Diamonds put any fear about the result beyond doubt as Katie Loydall's persistence won Diamonds a corner. Linnell's far post cross found Laura Dunn unmarked at the far post to power a header into the net.

FT: Bedford Town Bells 0 - 3 Rushden & Diamonds

With Lewes dropping two points at home to Northampton Town, Diamonds gained some ground on the League leaders. Next Sunday, Diamonds Ladies host Gillingham at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC - 2pm kick off.

Teams:

Bedford Town Bells - Kate Lamacraft, Hannah Stoodley (Stef Crichton 67), Emily Ingle, Camille Stephens, Donna Coombes, Lesley-Anne Seaman, Nicola Tarrent (Sian Fiemons 62), Phillipa Copley, Ali Hayes (Natasha Cunningham 80), Donna McGuigan, Kelly Bingham.

Subs not used: Elizabeth Evans; Caroline Evans.

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies - Charlene Ward (Katie Loydall HT), Amy O'Brien, Kelly Robinson, Rosie Thurston, Anna McLeod, Laura Dunn, Molly Marsh, Charly Wright, Mikaela Welford (Aileen Whelan 67), Jade Linnell, Vicky Gallagher.

Subs not used: Fay Howell.

Goals: Vicky Gallagher 15 (0-1), Mikaela Welford 19 (0-2), Laura Dunn 85 (0-3).

By Dave Mason

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Other results (SE Combination):

AFC Wimbledon 0 Welwyn Garden City 1

Cambridge City 0 Whitehawk 1

Lewes 3 Northampton Town 3

Gillingham 3 Ipswich Town 4

Forthcoming fixtures:

23rd September Gillingham (Home)

26th September Northampton Town (Home - 1945 ko)