There were numerous changes to the Ware line-up as injuries and Paul Halsey’s desire to rest and rotate players took its effect. By comparison the visitors showed only one change in their starting eleven from the team that began the one-all draw with Ware back in September. In fact, there was only one new name in the whole squad.
The result of consistency in selection was shown throughout the game by the Pirates’ confidence. They passed the ball between themselves with an instinctive accuracy that allowed them to execute one-twos and triangles that kept the Ware defence on its toes.
The main trouble seemed to come from the Bedford right with Joshua Setchell being a constant threat as the visitors had the better share of possession and territory for much of the game. However, Ware were never out of the contest, breaking with speed to exploit any gaps in the Bedford defence.
This was illustrated after nine minutes when Johnny Allotey, who was destined to have one of his best, terrier-like, performances, won the ball on the left and fired in a low cross. Stef Georgiou, moved from left back to left midfield for this game, was in the right place to thump the ball past Tyler McGregor.
This now brought the best out of Bedford and the game was never short of excitement as, between the home side’s efforts to get a second goal, they frequently tested the Ware defence but couldn’t break it. Even so, at the midpoint of the half Setchell got the better of David Sota and sent in a good cross that fell to Tyriq Ward. His shot from the edge of the area looped over the bar and was, perhaps, the clearest chance that the visitors had in the first half.
Ware made a bright start to the second half raising hopes of a different shape to the game. Within two minutes Allotey had wriggled his way through two defenders to set up David Sota whose cross, nodded on by Jon Clements, fell to Sam Mayuma. Here was a chance to double Ware’s lead but Mayuma’s shot was scooped way too high.
A free kick and corner kept the emphasis on Ware’s attacking options but on fifty minutes Setchell was set free on the right. He made time for himself and crossed to Joseph Evans who turned the ball in from close range for the equaliser. It was a well executed break which changed more than the score. A revitalised Bedford were back with their confident passing and the game resumed its first half character.
Allotey was on the end of a good move but his shot was saved comfortably by McGregor under the cross bar and within three minutes Ware fell behind. The defence was cut through and Tyriq Ward had the relatively easy task of sliding the ball under Fred Burbidge.
Ware continued to look for a second goal meaning the match remained good entertainment for a sizeable crowd. However, worries that the task of containing Bedford would take its toll as the game progressed seemed to be justified and then emphasised when Mackye Townsend-West had to leave the field following an injury.
A third goal for the visitors came when the Ware defence failed to clear their lines and Ben Stevens was on the end of a looping deflection to shoot past Burbidge at his near post. It was a signal that the game was effectively over and for those in the crowd feeling the cold to start making their way to the comforts of a warm home.
For the visitors there was the comfort of three points whilst Ware could take some satisfaction from a decent performance from a noticeably changed team. No one had a bad game but Sami Moutawafiq, the former under-18 player, looked to have benefitted from his time in Spain on his first start for the senior side.
It was also good to see Albert Adu make a third return to the club for his 161st appearance almost eleven years to the day since his first game. With Max Granville injured Halsey may well see Adu as a useful addition to the midfield and, his match fitness needing a boost, he may get another outing in Tuesday’s senior cup game at Cheshunt.
The match was well handled by referee Elliott Mayer and his assistants without the need to issue more than one yellow card.
Ware: Fred Burbidge, Chukuma Okotcha, David Sota, Sami Moutawafiq (Albert Adu 82mins), Mackye Townsend-West (Theo Ofori 73mins), Jack Grosvenor, Stef Georgiou, Gucci Soulya-Osekanongo, Jon Clements, Sam Mayuma, Johnny Allotey (Gabriel Chapps 82mins). Unused sub: Tom Kay, Excause Kifwasima.
