Bedford Town have endured a torrid time in recent weeks and find themselves nine points from safety in Southern League Premier Central, but there is still optimism they can conjure up a turnaround in fortunes.
Eight straight league losses – and no win since Boxing Day – have contributed to a sharp decline for the Eagles but with six remaining games, the powers that be have not given up hope of retaining their seventh tier status.
Beginning this Saturday, four of the six remaining games are at home at The Eyrie and with already relegated Rushden and Diamonds also still to face, Eagles fans can see a glimmer of hope in retaining their place in the league.
After what was a mammoth battle for promotion last season against Berkhamsted, all associated with Bedford Town are hoping all of their hard work isn’t rendered pointless with immediate relegation back to Southern League Central Division One – the eighth tier of English football.
“This is crunch time”
There’s no hiding from the fact that the task in hand is a monumental one.
Eight straight losses, no goals in five league games and a run of form that included losing from a leading position in three consecutive matches; the stats are not kind reading for Graeme Tomlinson and his coaching staff.
The Eagles have had to contend with losing key players as well, and have been tasked with blooding new talent into the squad quickly although the likes of Connor Furlong did receive the Eagles’ man of the match award in last weekend’s 2-0 loss at Alvechurch.
The challenge begins this Saturday, and Town will hope they don’t suffer any fools at home to Basford United who are still in a relegation battle of their own but sit three points above the relegation zone.
Bedford Town’s President, Frank Farmer has issued a plea to local supporters to get to the Eyrie and be the twelfth man this Saturday:
“This is crunch time. Now is the time for all supporters to rally round this young team, give them encouragement with your full support – home and away – because next season, these lads are going to do well!”
After Basford, Graeme Tomlinson’s side face three games in six days, including a challenge against playoff-chasing Nuneaton Borough before a double header over the Easter weekend.
Redditch United – who sit in mid table and can’t challenge for a play-off place – visit the Eyrie on Good Friday before Bedford travel to already relegated Rushden and Diamonds on Easter Monday, a side they beat 6-1 on Boxing Day.
A trip to St Ives Town and a home game against Mickleover complete the season, with the feeling that Bedford Town will need to win at least four of those six games to stand any chance of survival.
Tickets for all of the remaining home games are now available to purchase directly from the Bedford Town website, or by following this link.
