BEDFORD II 5

COLCHESTER 1

East Women's League division one north

COLCHESTER Ladies suffered their second defeat of the season after going down to a heavy loss at Bedford II.

They produced a strong team performance in the first half but a very poor second half saw the visitors beaten against a well-drilled Bedford side.

Colchester started the game well with excellent movement up front from Hannah Jefferies, Kate Bagley, Sophie Bendon and Libby Knifton.

They put pressure on the Bedford defence and caused real problems, creating several chances in the first ten minutes.

But some great goal keeping kept the visitors out and Bedford then went on the attack and scored a breakaway goal. Colchester continued to fight though, with Pippa Garbult and Ciara Williams working tirelessly in midfield.

Karen Harris returned seamlessly to the centre midfield role after carrying a calf injury for two weeks.

And when Colchester were awarded a short corner, player/coach Knifton slotted into the bottom right-hand corner.

However, Bedford pushed forward and regained their lead.

The Colchester defence of Liz Pope, Frankie Hartley, Katie Irvine and player-of-the-match Jemma Rix got themselves re organised and for the last 15 minutes of the first half, the visitors went on the attack.

But they trailed at the break and the second half saw Colchester make too many basic errors, which presented Bedford with attack after attack.

They capitalised on their chances and scored three goals in quick succession, taking the game away from Colchester.

The visitors did start to correct their errors in the last ten minutes and the work rate improved but it was too little, too late.