Blues see red as Bedford Town fall to opening game loss

Proceedings did not go to plan for Bedford Town in their opening league game of the season, as they had two men sent off in a tame loss at Thame United.

It was all downhill from as early as the 11th minute as Matt Harriott was sent off for violent conduct as he reacted badly to an opposition tackle.

Despite the Eagles being able to soak up some pressure, Drew Richardson conceded a penalty at the half hour mark which was converted to give the hosts a deserved lead.

However, Bedford Town were only one goal down at the break, and came out for the second half with renewed vigour, chasing an equaliser.

Thame United had other ideas however, a second goal scored by Greg Hackett shortly into the second half leaving Bedford Town with an uphill task ahead.

This task became even more difficult when Ross Watson received a second yellow card to join Harriott back in the changing rooms with twenty minutes remaining.

Manager, Mark Ducket threw on Rene Howe and Jake Newman in a last-ditch effort to get back into the game, but it was all in vain as the clock ticked down to ninety minutes.

Bedford Town conceded a third late on to compound their misery.

After an early FA Cup exit last weekend, followed by this convincing defeat, Bedford Town will have to wait until 29th September to get up and running as they host Berkhamsted.

However, with no FA Cup tie, Bedford Town host Hemel Hempstead in their final pre-season friendly on Tuesday night.

It wasn’t much better for the Ladies side however as they hosted Northampton Town Ladies at the Eyrie on Sunday afternoon, falling to a 3-1 loss in the Preliminary Round of the Women’s FA Cup.

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