DEA Bedford Over 30

DEA drew with Stoneham 1-1, keeping their five-match unbeaten string alive and dealt Stoneham's chances at postseason glory a serious blow. Pending the posting of the Ipswich-Seacoast match, DEA looks to be in prime position for moving to the top of the table next week when they host Seacoast. DEA started down a man, and got the full squad after five minutes. The field was lumpy and not level, so it made for some creative soccer. The referee was determined not to take any flack, and started handing out yellow cards like candy whenever Stoneham had a gripe. DEA took notice, and barely said a word all match. The on-field action saw DEA looking to get an early advantage. Willie Mungere and Chris Laberge teamed up, but Laberge's right-footed half-volley would tickle the woodwork before falling away. Barry Fitzgerald was working the flanks, but chances were breaking down at the last touch. Again, the defensive duo of Chris Florek and Tom Labonville were huge for DEA. The skillful Stoneham squad were relentless, and time and time again they were thwarted by the impervious DEA defense. Chris Jones and Chris Cloutier stepped up when needed on the outside. After DEA's initial forrays came up fruitless, Stoneham had two great chances. The first was a scorcher from the right side that Lucas Hill palmed aside. A few minutes later, a similar drive clanged off the crossbar. DEA had dodged a couple of bullets. Then, they broke through. When Laberge tracked down Jerold White's pass in the corner, he pushed aside his marker and found Elvis Zukovic 25 yards from goal and with space. Elvis callibrated, and steamed a low shot at goal. Slick Willie, lacking luck to this point inside the box, caught a break as Elvis' shot took a deflection off Willie and into the open side to put DEA up heading into the half. The second half saw Stoneham come storming out. The play was basically build crossing the midfield stripe, send their right winger in clean, where he beat Cloutier and crossed into the box. A combination of Jones, Labonville, and Florek cleared aside. Then, the play started all over again. Things were getting harried in the back. Cloutier slid once to block a shot from close range. Florek took a hard drive off the cheek. Jones headed clear when he was left alone at the back post with pressure on. Lucas came up twice more by making the save on hard shots and preventing any rebounds. Stoneham levelled midway through the second half when a through-ball allowed Stoneham to post up Tommy. He got turned, and the clean look was all they needed to bring the match level. A nice play on Stoneham's part. DEA then tried to get the winner. Jon Cloutier began to impart himself on the match, creating buildups with Jerold on the left side and sending Laberge and Willie in. However, Stoneham was up to the task. Fitzgerald scorched a drive just wide. Elvis sent one over the bar. A mad scramble off another Fitzgerald chance was batted around like a ping-pong ball, but nothing could make it's way through. Lucas then saved the match for DEA when Stoneham stormed through on the right side. The touch went a bit too far, and Lucas slid out, taking a boot in the process, while making the save and swallowing the rebound. All that was left was more bitching at the ref, and more cards followed. Rumor has it the ref is scheduled to see Dr. Louis Yokum on Tuesday to have "Tommy John Sugery" as he went to his pocket so much for the cards he threw his elbow out. After the match, the fun was just getting started. Stoneham Management, in their typical classy fashion, tore into the ref. Kudos to the ref for not allowing Stoneham to get away with some of their shanagans. Then, the third half turned into an unexpected battle. After emptying the cooler, there was no sign of Stoneham heading home. This was unexpected. DEA then pawned a few beers off the Billerica O-40's squad while Lucas headed for more. Before Lucas had a chance to get back, Stoneham refilled, and even provided DEA with a 12-pack to tie them over. A lot of ill-will towards Stoneham was washed away. A classy jesture to be sure. Lucas arrived, DEA settled their debts, and continued going beer-for-beer with Stoneham well into the afternoon. DEA's numbers dwindled to two, with Tom and Lucas hanging in as the last of the Stoneham O-30's called it a draw. There were still players from the O-40's match lingering about, but DEA will take the "Tie" for all three halves today. Next week, Seacoast travels to DEA in a match that could go a long way toward deciding who will take the division. They levelled earlier in the year in a mud bath. Look for DEA to come guns ablazing as they look to build on their already impressive 3-1-2 record.