Bedford Town made it three wins on the bounce on Saturday (5 September) as they beat struggling, Radcliffe 1-0 at The Eyrie.
Junior Gyamfi’s only goal after 37 minutes was enough to propel the Eagles up to seventh in National League North and continue their fine start to another step two season, while Radcliffe are now in 24th.
This victory did not require the grit shown in bank holiday Monday’s triumph in Telford, as Radcliffe rarely troubled Walker in the Bedford goal as their own poor start to the season continues.
Read: Moncur strike seals back-to-back bank holiday wins for Bedford Town
Radcliffe are already on their second manager of the campaign; former captain Nicky Adams taking over on an interim basis after the highly respected, Bernard Morley resigned in August.
Adams is being assisted by former Chelsea and Leicester City man, Frank Sinclair who was sent off shortly into the second half to compound misery for the visitors as they endure a tough start to the new season.
Their calendar year has been nothing short of tumultuous. They were well set for a play-off spot at the turn of the year last season, but plummeted to finish 13th, and their fortunes have not taken a turn for the better so far.
Bedford Town manager, Harry Smart made one change to the side who beat Telford on bank holiday Monday, with Anthony Stewart replacing Greg Taylor in what looks to be a regular rotation between the pair.
Stewart was a rock at the back, as the Eagles kept another clean sheet to cap the most perfect of weeks.
Handball controversy
Early improvised snap shots from Radcliffe’s Callum McFadzean and Joe Pritchard were easy for Walker, but it was almost as close as Radcliffe got as Bedford dominated much of the first 45 minutes.
Tom Donaghy in the visiting goal made a pair of superb saves in the opening period; first from Ryan Doherty’s point blank header, before tipping over Eno Nto’s effort that was bound for the top corner.
Between those two pieces of goalkeeping exploits was controversy, as Michael Afuye – sent off in this fixture in March – escaped a huge handball shout, with the referee giving the Radcliffe man the free kick for a push.
Players, home fans and the bench alike were up in arms at the controversial decision, but it mattered not as the home side found a way to take a lead into the changing rooms.
Afuye almost gifted Bedford the lead, losing the ball to Lewis Franklin whose effort was eventually blocked, but it took the Eagles just a single minute to make amends.
Gyamfi had fired an effort narrowly wide, but he was afforded a repeat opportunity, with his albeit weak effort finding the bottom corner.
Both Josh Castiglione and George Moncur had chances to double the lead before half-time, but the Bedford captain produced an air shot, while Moncur’s effort from a free kick routine was palmed wide by the impressive Donaghy.
Radcliffe battle back to no avail
Radcliffe came out for the second half with a greater level of intent, but couldn’t find the equaliser needed to add their tally of just three points this season.
They were not aided by the dismissal of their assistant, Sinclair following an altercation on the sidelines, but even with his encouragement from the tunnel, his side rarely troubled the Bedford back line, despite playing with more purpose.
Their best chance fell to Kyle Hawley, who took too long to latch on to an excellent through ball from Afuye, while Walker was called into action with a smart save from Tyler James low down to his right.
Bedford Town chances in the second half were few and far between, opting to try and hit Radcliffe on the counter attack, with Moncur finding himself in acres of space only to be denied by a last ditch tackle, while Joe Payne also shot over.
Radcliffe defender, Tom Davies curled an effort wide, while Joe Pritchard sent a pair of wayward efforts into the stands to sum up the visiting side’s fortunes.
Frankie McMahon-Brown’s shot from 25 yards also forced Walker into a comfortable save late on, but the Eagles always looked safe in securing another three points to their National League North tally.
Bedford Town are in the hat for Monday lunchtime’s FA Cup second qualifying round draw, in a tie due to be played on Saturday, 19 September, but they face a pair of away games before then.
On Tuesday (8 September), Smart’s men make the trek to Worksop Town, before travelling to the Sir Halley Stewart Field in Spalding to face Real Bedford’s play-off conquerors, Spalding United next Saturday (12 September).
