Two weeks ago, Leon Lobjoit’s 96th-minute penalty against Alvechurch secured a vital 1-0 win for Bedford Town, and the Eagles star man was at it again at Redditch United in stealing a 1-1 draw for the Eagles on Saturday (15 March).
Lee Bircham’s side looked as if they were heading for their first defeat in four league games, but when Eddie Panter was brought down in the penalty area – again deep into injury time – Lobjoit was there to add another point to a remarkable Bedford Town campaign.
Anthony Dwyer’s second half strike for Redditch United looked to be giving the home side all three points at the Valley Stadium but late drama secured a point in a dramatic finish.
The game took some time to fire into life.
Dwyer’s first half effort was kept out by Horlick in the Bedford Town goal before a Lewis Green header crashed off the crossbar; the closest Bedford Town came all game before Lobjoit’s latest intervention.
Bruno Andrade had a goal disallowed for a high foot towards the end of the first half, before Lobjoit had an effort cleared close to the home goal line but with an hour on the clock, Redditch struck in spectacular fashion.
Redditch hit Bedford on the counter attack, and Rivel Mardenborough’s wonderful diagonal pass found Dwyer, who lifted it over the stranded Horlick and into the net to the delight of most of the 1,470 strong crowd.
The Eagles immediately went in pursuit of an equaliser, Lobjoit once again the centre of attention as his effort was beaten away by Ollie Taylor before some last-ditch defending denied Eddie Panter as he let fly from inside the area.
The drama was again saved for the final moments.
Eddie Panter went down in the area, and much to the derision of the home players and supporters, the referee pointed to the spot.
Lobjoit, as per a fortnight ago, scored the spot kick and wheeled away in celebration; a penalty that secured what could be a vital point for Bedford Town as they keep their title hopes alive at the top of Southern League Premier Central.
Halesowen Town are the division’s new leaders, but only on goal difference with Telford and Bedford Town also on 63 points. A stuttering Kettering Town are a further two points back in fourth while Stamford are in the final play-off spot on 60 points.
A mere few weeks ago, the likes of Telford and Kettering had three and four games in hand over the Eagles respectively, but they have both stumbled recently, leaving the seventh tier title race open for anybody to snatch.
Perhaps Bedford Town are facing the least pressure; their “freak” season has opened up nicely for them once again, and with seven games to go, they have as much chance as anyone else in winning what would be a sensational league title.
Bedford Town are back in action next Saturday (22 March) as they host Stamford at The Eyrie.
