Bedford Town and Real Bedford both beat pitch inspections to face Alvechurch and Hadley respectively in the Southern League on Saturday afternoon (23 November) but neither side were able to pick up a win.
Bedford Town lost 1-0 in Worcestershire to Alvechurch while Real Bedford bounced back from going behind early against Hadley to earn a 1-1 draw at the Ledger Stadium.
Bedford Town are still 9th in Southern League Central Premier despite going down by a single goal at Alvechurch.
Archie Crowther’s header in the 13th minute for the Worcestershire side, now managed by former Premier League goalkeeper, Tim Flowers, was enough to secure the win after Lye Meadow passed a 10am pitch inspection.
First half chances for the Eagles were restricted to an Elliot Simmons free kick as Bedford Town rarely threatened Ronnie Hollingshead in the home goal.
Chances came and went for Kavan Cotter and Ryan Blake in the second half, before Lee Bircham’s side were offered some hope after Alvechurch’s Omari Sterling-James was sent off for violent conduct.
Unlike last weekend however, when Carl Mensah scored a 96th minute equaliser at league leaders, Kettering, Bedford Town could not find the sucker punch and came away empty handed.
Read: Last minute Mensah strike secures dramatic point for Bedford Town at Kettering
Hitchcock leveller rescues point for Pirates
Real Bedford also passed an early pitch inspection at the Ledger Stadium in their key encounter against fellow high-flyers, Hadley in Southern League Central Division One.
Rob Sinclair’s side had the ball in the back of the net as early as the second minute but it was ruled out by the referee for a foul by Tom Hitchcock on the keeper.
Ten minutes later, the visitors were in front as Hadley number seven, Jordan Edwards found a way past McGregor in the Real goal after twelve minutes.
However, Hitchcock finally got his goal after great work from Josh Setchell on the right wing and his cross found the Real target man to make it 1-1 after 36 minutes.
That is how the game finished, as Real Bedford gave up the league lead to Berkhamsted who beat Flackwell Heath 4-2 away from home.
Real are one point behind, but have a game in hand with Hadley a further point back in third.
Both sides are back in action next Saturday (30 November) as Bedford Town host fellow promoted side, Biggleswade Town at The Eyrie while Real Bedford are away from home for the first time in November as they travel to relegation threatened, Northwood.
