Bedford 0, Dereham 2Dereham gained some Christmas cheer as they finally picked up their first East Men's Hockey League Premier Division victory of the season in Premier A.
Bedford 0, Dereham 2
Dereham gained some Christmas cheer as they finally picked up their first East Men's Hockey League Premier Division victory of the season in Premier A.
In a hard-fought encounter Dereham's defence, led by Bedford old boy Richard Timm and CJ Edwards, held firm while Mark Timm and Mark Hunter gained the upper hand in midfield.
Bedford were reduced to 10 men when Matt Bessey was sent off for arguing with the umpire, and Will Edwards went close to opening Dereham's account.
Bedford had a couple of chances from short corners, but were unable to find a way past Dereham keeper Tom Vaughan.
Dereham also lost a player when Lee Hoggett suffered a cut above his left eye after the ball deflected off a Bedford stick. Hoggett was patched up by coach Dave Walton before returning to the fray with Dereham still on level terms thanks to some dogged defending.
Teenager Hoggett proceeded to produce a man-of-the-match display, and his run led to the short corner from which Andy Lawrence fired his third goal in the last two weeks.
Another short corner allowed Dereham to double their lead, the ball slipped to Timm who flicked it past the Bedford keeper.
Bedford pushed hard, but with youngster Ed Turner repelling endless attacks down the Dereham right, the visitors held on for a crucial win.
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