The much maligned Eagles defence have shown signs of improvement in the past week with two tight victories in league and cup.
Saturday’s 1-0 win at FC Romania was supplemented by a penalty shoot-out victory on Tuesday evening as manager Gary Setchell’s calls for better defensive performances paid dividends.
“I can imagine other managers can’t wait to face us at the minute after the goals we’re conceding”, admitted Setchell a couple of weeks ago and it looks as if focus has shifted to keeping the ball out since then.
Saturday’s fixture at FC Romania in Hertfordshire was decided by an 8th minute goal for Bedford Town talisman, Callum Donnelly with the clean sheet a rare but welcome sight for the Eagles.
That win kept Bedford Town in 7th, but with North Leigh and Berkhamsted beginning to stretch out a lead at the top of the Southern League Central Division One, the Eagles need to keep grinding out results.
Tuesday evening saw the introduction of another cup competition in the Southern League Challenge Cup, where Bedford Town were pitted against local rivals, Biggleswade Town.
Some fans have been critical of what is seen by some as more “needless fixtures”, but it did give the manager a chance to switch up his side and give some minutes to some other players.
Biggleswade Town took the lead after seven minutes thanks to a James Peters header, but the Eagles struck back late into the second half through veteran, Craig Mackail-Smith.
The 1-1 scoreline meant the game went straight to penalties, with Bedford Town coming out on top 4-3 as Drew Richardson smashed home the winning spot kick to see his team through to the next round.
The cup competitions keep coming thick and fast, with Bedford Town in action against Cambridge City in the FA Trophy at The Eyrie on Saturday afternoon, before returning to league action against Thame Utd on Tuesday.
