Bedford Town started life in the Southern League Premier Division Central with a battling draw in Stratford-upon-Avon as Will Summerfield’s late equaliser gave the Eagles a well-earned point.
Stratford Town, who are co-managed by former Premier League midfielder Dean Holdsworth, went ahead after 25 minutes as a stray back pass fell to the feet of Josh Hawker who slotted past Alex Street.
It was a lead they would hold on to at half-time, despite a guilt-edged chance for Hugh Alban-Jones – on his 50th appearance for the club.
The second half was far more lively, bringing further chances for both teams with both goalkeepers called into action, and Bedford’s Connor Tomlinson blazing a shot over the bar.
It was only until the dying embers that the Eagles got their just rewards; Will Summerfield pouncing on a rebound to poke home to equalise, with the game finishing one apiece.
“We’ve carried on the spirit from last season”
Manager Gary Setchell was content with a point after the game, but suggested his team won the “lion’s share” of chances and possession and could have come home with all three points.
Speaking to Bedford Town’s YouTube channel, Setchell said: “I think both managers think they could have won it and Alex made a couple of great saves to keep us in it.
“I think we had the lion’s share of the ball and the chances and felt we carried on the spirit of last season so not a bad start to life in step three.”
Bedford Town make their competitive return to The Eyrie next week as they host Barwell, who lost their opening game of the season at home to Hitchin Town.
Ex-Eagle Walker nets twice on Real debut
It was also the beginning of an era for the team across the road, as Real Bedford opened their season with a comfortable 3-0 win against Rushden and Higham at McMullen Park.
Kevin Owusu opened the scoring after ninety seconds with a succulent chip, before Dan Walker, who has moved from Bedford Town to Rob Sinclair’s side doubled the lead before there were five minutes on the clock.
Walker grabbed his second and Real Bedford’s third with fifteen minutes left as Real secured a straight forward win in their quest for promotion from South Midlands Division One.
FA Cup success
Elsewhere, a lot of the Borough’s other teams were in FA Cup extra preliminary round action with success for Kempston Rovers and debutants, Shefford Town and Campton.
208 ties took place on Saturday and Sunday across the country as a record number of sides have entered the world famous knockout cup competition.
Rafal Wielblad, who made the step up from Kempston Reserves to the senior side with great success last season, scored two goals in the final five minutes to secure a 2-0 win for Rovers against Long Melford.
Shefford Town and Campton, making their debut in the FA Cup, were also victors as they saw off Stanway Rovers 4-1 but Biggleswade United are out after losing 4-0 at Gorleston.
Both Kempston and Shefford Town and Campton are now through to the preliminary round and face Wisbech Town and Southend Manor respectively.
Bedford Town enter the competition at the first qualifying round which takes place on 6th September.
