Sunday 9th March 2008 at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC

Match Report:  Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 4 - 2 Bedford Town Bells

(South East Combination)

With a tough midweek fixture at Northampton Town on Wednesday evening, Diamonds Ladies looked to be a little jaded during the opening period of their final League fixture as Bedford looked to take the initiative. Both sides had an early chance, but it was the visitors who were pressing forward and looking more dangerous. They deservedly went in front after just 8 minutes when Ali Hayes' ball through to Phillipa Copley allowed her to slot the ball past keeper Charlene Ward.

Bedford continued to trouble Diamonds and moments after taking the lead, Donna Coombes came close, heading a Lesley-Anne Seaman free kick straight at Ward. Referee Peter Spink showed the first of many yellow cards on 17 minutes when Bedford striker Ali Hayes uttered a swear word.

Diamonds performance was well below par compared with some recent games and it wasn't until 25 minutes when they had their first real chance. Charly Wright chased down a long ball forward which looked to be going out for a goal kick. After waiting for support to arrive, both Aileen Whelan and Vicky Gallagher were unable to get shots away and the Bedford defence cleared. Another cross from Wright a few minutes later was headed over by Mikaela Welford.

In the final five minutes, Diamonds started to look livelier as Anna McLeod shot at keeper, before a corner kick led to the equaliser on 42 minutes. The Bedford defence were unable to clear Vicky Gallagher's corner kick, and captain Kirsty Cooper bundled the ball over the line from two yards.

Half time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 1 - 1 Bedford Town Bells

Diamonds made three changes at halftime with Ashley Palmer, Stephanie Thompson and Jade Linnell all coming on, replacing Mikaela Welford, Caroline Moran and Anna McLeod. Charly Wright moved to left back, with Fay Howell moving forward.

After an early scare, Diamonds looked much more composed and started to assert themselves. It wasn't long before they went in front as on 50 minutes, Stephanie Thompson sent a great through ball up to Vicky Gallagher which split the defence. After drawing the keeper, she calmly shot into an empty net to give Diamonds the advantage.

Bells had little in reply although Phillipa Copley went close with a free kick. Fay Howell was constantly causing problems down the left wing and putting over dangerous crosses. Keeper Justine Lucas saved well from Whelan, but on 67 minutes, Jade Linnell stuck out a foot and guided Howell's cross into the net to increase the home sides lead.

Just three minutes later, Diamonds got a fourth when Vicky Gallagher's out-swinging corner from the right was powerfully headed home by Kirsty Cooper. Bedford made a change after the goal with Caroline Evans replacing Stef Crighton and on 74 minutes, got a goal back. Phillipa Copley's corner was punched into the net, but with the referee distracted, failed to spot the infringement and awarded a goal.

Gallagher shot just over on 76 minutes, but the game got very niggly in the final few minutes. Ashley Palmer was booked after kicking the ball away after being tripped in the area. Stephanie Thompson was booked for swearing, then Gallagher was sent off for dissent. Diamonds still had three further chances when Molly Marsh's corner came off the top of the bar, Howell's shot from 20 yards went just wide and Jade Linnell shot inches over.

Full time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 4 - 2 Bedford Town Bells

The card tally of four yellows and a red was in fact more than the total number of cards in every game Diamonds have played in over the past two seasons, but it failed to dampen spirits as they finished their League campaign on a high note. With Ipswich Town confirmed as Champions after their 2-0 victory over Gillingham, they must now wait on other results to find out their final League position. Diamonds still have the chance to win some silverware however with a League Cup semi-final at Enfield Town in two weeks time, plus the County Women's Cup Final in April although they will have to wait to see if player-manager Gallagher will have to serve out a suspension for those remaining games.

Teams:

Bedford Town Bells - Justine Lucas, Stef Crighton (Caroline Evans 71), Suzanne Albon, Sian Beames, Donna Coombes, Lesley-Anne Seaman (Natasha Cunningham 75), Hannah Stoodley, Phillipa Copley, Ali Hayes, Sian Fiemons, Kelly Bingham(c).

Subs not used: Rebekah Yates, Emily Ingle, Jasmine Jennings. 

Goals: Phillipa Copley 8 (0-1), Kirsty Cooper 42 (1-1), Vicky Gallagher 50 (2-1), Jade Linnell 67 (3-1), Kirsty Cooper 70 (4-1), Phillipa Copley 74 (4-2).

Referee: Mr P.Spink

Booked: Ali Hayes, Lesley-Anne Seaman, Ashley Palmer; Stephanie Thompson

Sent Off: Vicky Gallagher

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Other results (SE Combination):

Enfield Town  2 AFC Wimbledon 1

Ipswich Town 2 Gillingham 0

Northampton Town 1 Lewes 4

Whitehawk 1 Welwyn Garden City 2

Reserve Team fixture:

Midland Combination Reserves

Leicester City Ladies v Rushden & Diamonds Ladies postponed

By Dave Mason