Connor Tomlinson scored twice either side of half-time to give Bedford Town a big 3-1 away victory at Rushall Olympic this afternoon.
It’s been a rocky 24 hours at The Eyrie, with forward Tyrone Lewthwaite leaving Bedford Town for National League North side, Kettering Town despite only joining in the summer.
It leaves Gary Setchell’s side short of striking options, but Tomlinson calmed nerves with a brace in the midlands to lift spirits around the club, securing their first win since beating Hitchin Town a month ago.
The Eagles opened the scoring with their first attack of the afternoon; Connor Tomlinson heading home a wonderful cross from the right and from there, they never looked back.
Dan Jarvis doubled the lead before thirty minutes were on the clock with a great finish, moments after the home side thought they should have had a penalty at the other end.
Tomlinson stamps authority after Lewthwaite leaves
Tomlinson’s second came on the hour mark to all but end the game as a contest, with Rushall Olympic scoring a consolation penalty in the final minute through Alex Fletcher as Bedford Town won 3-1.
The victory comes after an eventful 24 hours, with Kettering Town announcing the signing of Tyrone Lewthwaite despite Bedford Town claiming no approach was made by the National League North side.
In non-league football, clubs have to inform another club that they are interested in signing one of their players, giving that club seven days to persuade their player to stay.
Only after seven days can a club then announce a signing, in what is called the ‘seven-day approach’ rule, but Bedford Town claim none of this happened.
Commenting on Twitter, Bedford Town Club Secretary, James Smiles labelled the episode “disgraceful”, adding the FA will be informed of what the Eagles see as an illegal approach for Lewthwaite.
On the pitch however, this afternoon’s win is important, especially with third-placed Coalville Town to come next Saturday at The Eyrie.
Kempston Rovers bounce back
A midweek 1-0 loss at home to Kidlington ended Kempston Rovers’ unbeaten start to the league season but they bounced back in impressive style this afternoon, also securing a 3-1 away win at Aylesbury United.
Ben Baker has been in impressive scoring form this season, and he added to his tally with a double either side of a James Hatch strike to keep Rovers in the play-off places.
Baker opened the scoring after thirty minutes, volleying home from a Harry Stratton assist before Hatch slotted home from inside the area shortly before the break.
Stratton turned provider again for Baker halfway through the second half; a defence splitting pass finding the prolific striker to dink home for his 9th goal of the season to confirm the win.
Tom McElroy got a consolation for Aylesbury, but Chris Nunn’s side held on comfortably with league new boys, Hadley to come next weekend.
Real Bedford lose 100% record
Rob Sinclair’s Real Bedford side had won 11 league games out of 11 before today’s fixture against Rugby Borough at McMullen Park but they fell 2-1 to lose their perfect record.
Rugby opened the scoring after just three minutes and a second goal on the hour mark knocked the stuffing out of Real, although there were hopes of a late comeback as Jordan Brown netted late on.
It wasn’t to be though, with Real Bedford losing 2-1 although they have a healthy lead at the top of Spartans South Midlands Division One.
The Women’s team at McMullen Park have had a mixed start, but they are through to the third qualifying round of the Women’s FA Cup with a 5-0 away win at Cheshunt.
They go on to face Hashtag United in the next round, but not before their latest league fixture against Bowers and Pitsea tomorrow.
