DEA Bedford Over 30

DEA dropped a hard-fought battle to Stoneham, losing a lead late and falling 3-2. DEA spent freely in the Winter Transfer Market, and had hoped their new star-studded lineup would have better results. Stoneham took the play to DEA at the opening whistle. As their home field was not ready for action after the spring monsoon season, DEA scheduled the match for the fast surface of the Hampshire Dome. This actually played to a disadvantage for DEA, as Stoneham usually has more pace, and it showed today. DEA was on their heels as they get acclimated with the personnel and a new 4-5-1 lineup. With Lucas Hill manning the pipes, he came up with an early save off a scorcher from 25 yards. Stoneham was pressuring DEA, and finally broke through at the 18 minute mark off a transition. With the DEA backfield moving up the pitch after a clearance, a turnover resulted in a defensive mis-match. As DEA scrambled to get back, Stoneham had a clear look from 16 yards out and didn't miss, driving home to put DEA down, 1-0. This looked to be a wakeup call for DEA. Determined not to roll over, they picked up the pace and carried the play for the last 20 minutes. They broke through when Jerold White sent a through ball to Elvis Zukovic. Elvis' steely demeanor allowed for a moment of calmness, before slotting home to level at 1-1. Five minutes later, DEA won a corner on the right side. Elvis took it, and drove hard to the back post. Chris LaBerge rose above the fray, and nodded home to give DEA the lead at the half, 2-1. Second half saw each squad getting their chances, but as time wore on Stoneham began to put DEA on their heels. DEA was keeping eight or nine players behind the ball to defend, but the result was that if they did win the ball, they had nobody to pass to. Lucas temporarily held off the inevitable by palming away after a scramble, but Stoneham levelled when their right wing tore down the side and slipped home a drive to make it 2-2. DEA felt they had played too well to come away pointless, but the legs were getting rubbery and Stoneham was relentless. Stoneham finally won a restart just outside the top of the penalty area. A questionable call, the resulting finish was not as it was bent into the upper webbing to put Stoneham back in front at 3-2. Back to the other play went, as DEA threw caution to the wind in search of their third goal. LaBerge again reached skyward, heading Jerold's cheeky chip that beat the keeper. Unfortunately, it bounded off the crossbar. Another similar play moments later saw a forearm to LaBerge's back, but no call as he tumbled to the pitch. Stoneham took this one, 3-2, but they are certainly aware that this is not the DEA team that was swept out of Division 1 last Spring. Look for DEA to get back in action next week when they take on Seacoast in Exeter, NH at 10:00am.