After three excellent results, this was a disappointing game for Cobblers Ladies as they struggled to find the form of previous weeks.

In truth this was a scrappy, bad tempered game, which at times saw both teams more interested in arguing with the referee and disputing almost every decision rather than playing decent football. This was summed up by the number of needless bookings, with all but one given for arguing with the referee, something the Cobblers Ladies need to quickly eliminate from their game.

That aside, there were a few good points to mention, one of which was Steph Gale continuing her rich vein of form with another well taken goal which gave the Cobblers a first half lead, totally against the run of play. It was also good to see Sam Christie (pictured) back in the team after her absence through injury, providing additional pace in the front line and with a few more games to get her match fitness back, will hopefully appear regularly on the score sheet.

The Cobblers defence again had a good game and apart from one lapse in concentration which led to the equaliser, coped well with a pacey Bedford attack and with the wind behind them, Bedford played most of the game in the Cobblers half but were never able to take advantage of the conditions.

Sophie Capell held on to the right back position after an excellent game against Lewes and again played with a maturity and confidence which is usually exclusive to the more senior players.

Ironically, it was right at the start of the second half, playing against the wind that Bedford scored after some strong play on the left side of midfield.

This caught Cobblers on their heels and was a real disappointment considering the way they had held out during the first half. They did respond and had enough chances to win the game but were unlucky at times not to find the net, especially Sophie Barrett who watched her long range effort crash against the bar. Further chances also fell to Steph but she was unable to find the finish to match her first half effort.

A draw was probably a fair result and Bedford were clearly the happier with their point but the Cobblers had dropped points which will be hard to regain.

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