Bedford Town have extended their lead at the top of Southern League Central Division One after seeing off Didcot Town with ease at The Eyrie on Saturday afternoon.
Barton Rovers’ last minute equaliser at chasing Berkhamsted would have been greeted with a cheer in the Eagles changing room as the Hertfordshire side could only muster a 2-2 draw at home.
Gary Setchell has been keen to keep a winning formula, making just one change to the starting eleven; with Drew Richardson making his 50th career appearance.
Bedford Town have been notoriously quick starters and today was no different as Connor Tomlinson opened the scoring after just five minutes.
Tomlinson’s header at the back post kick started what transpired to be a comfortable afternoon in front of 551 fans at The Eyrie, before Callum Donnelly doubled the lead soon after.
It was 3-0 moments before the half-time break; Danny Setchell with a scintillating strike from the edge of the area to give Bedford Town a sizeable cushion that they never looked like giving up.
Berkhamsted slip up as the Eagles continue to fly
Setchell has been lauding the partnership between Connor Tomlinson and talisman, Rene Howe in recent weeks and they once again caused huge problems for the travelling defence.
Despite an attacking response from Didcot at the start of the second half, the Bedford back line – led superbly by Charley Sanders – stood firm before Howe scored his 25th goal of the season from the penalty spot.
The 4-0 victory means Bedford Town have won eight of their last nine completed games; form that looks to be vital as they take a further step towards the league title.
Bedford captain, Alex Street was happy with his side’s performance after another clinical display:
“We knew it was important to start fast after Saturday’s win. The wind was quite tricky, so we turned them around to kick with the wind and it paid off going up 3-0 early.”
“The lads were professional and I think we dominated the game and we were better than them all over the park.”
Berkhamsted are now four points back after letting a 2-1 lead slip in the dying moments, as well having a man sent off and missing a penalty against Barton Rovers who equalised in the 91st minute.
Kempston Rovers were also in action, falling 3-1 away from home at FC Romania but remain nine points clear of the relegation zone after losses for Colney Heath and Wantage.
Bedford Town host Colney Heath in the league next, after their rearranged Bedfordshire Senior Cup tie against Biggleswade Town on Tuesday night.
