Bedford Town were just moments away from guaranteeing a place in the National League next season, but conceded a 96th minute equaliser at title-chasing South Shields.
George Moncur looked to have given the Eagles another stunning 1-0 away win in the north east, only for Ethan Mann’s leveller in the sixth minute of added time to break their hearts and ensure a potentially nervy final day at The Eyrie next Saturday (25 April).
However, defeat for Hereford in their game in hand against Marine on Tuesday (21 April) will all but confirm Bedford Town’s survival, due to the fact 20th placed, Curzon Ashton and 21st placed, Alfreton face each other on the final day.
Both teams have a considerably worse goal difference than the Eagles.
As a standalone result, a point at second placed South Shields – who are in a title battle with AFC Fylde and now have 95 points – is a highly commendable one, but as has been the case many times this season, the impressive travelling contingent of Eagles fans were left to rue a late goal.
As expected, South Shields had a host of chances, but Nathan Ashmore in the Bedford goal was again in inspired form as he spent all but the final minute keeping out the hosts.
Even the late equaliser was a controversial one, but Lee Bircham otherwise called it an “excellent point” and praised his side for having “the greatest heart”.
Early opportunities fell largely for Paul Blackett, who was denied on three separate occasions in the first 20 minutes by Ashmore, before chances for Oliver Bainbridge and Sean McGurk also narrowly missed the target as the hosts started much the better.
Despite the pressure, Bedford Town were able to regroup at half-time with the score at 0-0.
Moncur pounces again
Against the wind in the second period, the pressure ramped up against the Eagles in the early stages and they once again had Ashmore to thank as he tipped over a Robbie Tinkler effort, before once again denying McGurk.
The Bedford shot stopper almost had a moment to forget, nearly dropping a corner over his goal line, but nothing was given, before a familiar goal scoring face for the Eagles in recent weeks put the cat amongst the pigeons.
George Moncur’s winners against Leamington and King’s Lynn have helped Bedford keep their relegation rivals at arm’s length in the last month, and he was on hand again to give Bedford Town a lifeline on the hour mark.
Against the run of play, Ellis Brown dispossessed a maroon shirt in midfield, and the ball fell to Moncur who shrugged off a defender with ease before stroking home past Jasper Sheik at the near post to give the Eagles a single goal to defend.
Bedford spent the majority of the final third of the game inside their own half, with chances stacking up for the home side.
Blackett and Sonny Finch were both stopped in their tracks by the exceptional Ashmore, and with the injury time clock ticking down, it looked as if Bedford Town were going to confirm their biggest win of all to confirm safety.
But the old habit of conceding late hit hard again.
It was Ethan Mann who scored it at the back post, with the assistant referee controversially awarding the goal as Ashmore clawed it away. He maintains it never crossed the line.
The final day
Hereford’s 3-1 win over Radcliffe and Alfreton’s last gasp victory at Marine, along with losses for Curzon Ashton and Oxford City have kept six teams still in danger of going down.
King’s Lynn are also still in the mix despite a 1-1 draw against Chorley.
Hereford still have a game in hand – their second game against Marine inside a fortnight – and a win for Hereford will ensure the twists and turns of an extraordinary relegation battle head to the final day for the Eagles.
Bedford Town have home advantage, but they host Scarborough who are currently in fifth and looking to secure a play-off spot of their own.
Hereford host already relegated Peterborough Sports, who lost 8-0 at Worksop on Saturday, while two sides in behind Bedford Town in Alfreton and Curzon Ashton face each other.
King’s Lynn travel to Chester, while Oxford City face a daunting trip to Darlington.
Bedford Town’s game against Scarborough kicks off at 12:30pm at The Eyrie on Saturday, 25 April.
