Late strikes from Southport’s Tom Moore and Sonny Hilton condemned Bedford Town to their first league defeat of the season as the Eagles fell 3-1 on Merseyside in National League North on Saturday (16 August).
Bedford Town striker, Tyrone Marsh was once again on the scoresheet as the former Boreham Wood man continues his fine start to the campaign, but it was not enough to deny Neil Danns’ men who get their first points on the board.
Bedford Town opened their first campaign at step two since 2006/07 last weekend (9 August) with a battling 2-2 home draw against Alfreton Town, while Southport were beaten 2-0 away at Merthyr Town, but it was the Sandgrounders who were victorious on Saturday.
In what was Bedford Town’s first foray on the road in this National League North campaign, it was their hosts Southport who began the better as Moore, who would eventually score the winner, spurned a glorious opportunity after nine minutes.
He found himself with the ball at his feet and just six yards out, only to be denied by a strong save from Dan Wilks in the Eagles goal, before the Bedford shot stopper was called into action again with another excellent save to deny Momodou Touray.
There was nothing Wilks to do about the game’s opening goal however, as the referee gave Southport a penalty after a handball which was coolly fired home by Danny Lloyd.
Marsh in the goals again
It had been a challenging opening twenty minutes for Lee Bircham’s side, but they responded well to going behind as Junior Gyamfi forced a save from Southport gloveman, Chris Renshaw and their pressure paid dividends shortly before half-time.
Smart work from captain, Ryan Blake down the right wing ensured he found his man in Marsh in the centre of the penalty area as Bedford’s new striker was on hand to flick the ball past Renshaw before unleashing his Eagles celebration.
Both Touray and Gyamfi exchanged half chances in the opening moments of the second half, and Bedford Town saw further opportunities fall by the wayside before Southport struck on 70 minutes with the key goal.
It was captain Moore with the goal after he latched on to the end of Sonny Hilton’s free kick to volley home from six yards out before Hilton turned from provider to goal scorer as he sealed the victory in second-half injury time.
Tyrone Marsh did have a chance to gain a second brace in as many games late on, but was denied by a crunching tackle from a Southport defender, before the home side went up the other end to seal the deal.
It was an excellent solo goal from Hilton, who beat four Eagles defenders before smashing home into the roof of the net to ensure the three points remained in the north west.
Bedford Town have the chance to bounce back immediately as they’re back at The Eyrie to face fellow promoted side, AFC Telford on Tuesday night (19 August) before another trip to Merseyside to face Marine next Saturday (23 August).
