Competitive hockey was back on the agenda at the weekend as Bedford Ladies Over 35’s secured a comprehensive victory against Maidenhead in the Investec Masters play-off quarter finals.
In a game delayed from mid-March, both sides were relieved and excited to be back out on the field at Chester Road but it was Bedford who hit the ground running.
An early goal from Kate Costin, despite being bulldozed by the oncoming goalkeeper, gave Bedford a deserved lead.
However, Maidenhead soon hit back, eventually finding a leveller despite some heroic diving stops from the Bedford keeper, Kez Surman.
Heading into the break at 1-1, both sides remained in the game but the second half belonged to the home side with several opportunities going begging.
Kate Costin however proved to be the difference as she restored Bedford’s lead with a tidy finish into the bottom right hand corner before securing her hat-trick soon after in similar fashion, giving Bedford some breathing space.
Bedford added a fourth late on with a delightful cross-goal ball dispatched into the goal by Kelly Bingham at the far post to secure a comfortable 4-1 win for the hosts.
It was a confident and dominant performance by the Masters side who now face the relatively short trip to Bishop’s Stortford for the semi-final on 5th September.
Words: Jean Fitch
