Bedford Town were once again in league action on Tuesday night and came away with what is becoming a familiar result as two of the Southern League Premier Central’s promoted sides played out a 1-1 draw at the Sonning Finance Stadium.
Leon Lobjoit returned to the Eagles’ starting line up and there was nearly a case of déjà vu at Biggleswade Town but his header was cancelled out by the Waders’ Ryan Doherty in another draw for both sides.
It was Lobjoit’s header on this ground way back on Easter Monday that had reignited Bedford Town’s promotion charge from the eighth tier and when the attacker rose highest to nod home with twenty minutes remaining, it felt like a repeat could be on the cards.
Only minutes later though, Biggleswade Town struck back thanks to a header of their own with Ryan Doherty scoring from a perfectly placed corner to restore parity, and gain the Waders’ fourth draw from seven league games.
Two goals in five minutes
The pair of goals brought to life what had at times been a dour affair, with chances few and far between for both sides.
Half chances for Lobjoit and Kyle Connolly came and went, and there was also an opportunity for Gucci Soulya to square for the in-form striker but the ball escaped Lobjoit’s last gasp slide.
Nathan McDonald was called into action just once in the first period as former Luton Town striker, Corey Panter drew a good save from the Eagles’ shot stopper.
The second half opened up and while both sides became more attacking, neither could fashion any big chances until Lobjoit struck on 71 minutes.
However, Doherty’s equaliser means Lee Bircham must settle for another point on the road but it does cement what has been a solid start to life in the seventh tier for Bedford.
Biggleswade Town are in the relegation zone in these early stages; winless from seven league games although they have drawn four of them in a similar looking start. Only impressive victories against Halesowen Town and Bishop’s Stortford see Bedford Town up in 13th above them.
Eyrie works almost complete
With a lot of sides at this level in FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round action this coming Saturday (14 September), there is now an eleven day wait for Bedford Town to resume their league campaign.
By then, The Eyrie should be ready to host.
Ongoing work to the new 3G pitch and new floodlights at the home of Bedford Town have taken longer than anticipated, but the club are confident that they’ll be raring to go in time for their next fixture; a home game against Redditch United on Saturday 21st September.
Matchday tickets will be available to purchase here.
