Reece Evans’ 95th-minute equaliser earned Bedford Town a key point against National League North leaders, Hereford in front of a bumper crowd on Saturday (26 September).
1,432 fans were at The Eyrie, with Hereford bringing 444 fans of their own, but the two sides once again could not be separated, with the Eagles’ fine start to the new season continuing in dramatic fashion.
Harry Smart’s side are now 10th after ten games of the new season, with a solid return of 16 points.
These two sides drew 2-2 at the back end of last season when both sides were in a relegation scrap, but Hereford have invested heavily over the summer, allowing them to be the early pace setters this time around.
As such, they were heavy favourites coming back to The Eyrie after that nerve-jangling April day, and while they took the lead through Harrison Iwunze, they were unable to see out the game as the Eagles struck late.
That was usually a trait attributed to Bedford Town, who lost a bucket load of points from winning positions last season, including April’s draw against Hereford when they were 2-0 up, but this time, they were able to fashion a point in a thrilling finish.
Forgettable first half
Harry Smart was forced into three changes to his starting line-up, with Anthony Stewart and T’Sharne Gallimore away on international duty, while Junior Gyamfi was suspended.
In stepped Festus Arthur for a rare start, while Tarik Gidaree was also in from the off alongside Greg Taylor, who didn’t experience the finest start to his storied career as he was left with a bloody nose after just four minutes.
That was about as exciting as it got as both sides went into half-time goalless after a soporific first period that saw few chances.
Louie Kudiabor forced Theo Richardson into a simple save after eight minutes, while Hereford’s best opportunity fell to Preston Bitemo who headed into the side netting.
Iwunze also dragged an effort wide, while Luke Spokes whipped a free kick narrowly wide but neither goalkeeper was overly troubled in a first half where defence dominated.
Seven minutes into the second half, the deadlock was broken.
Joseph James and Bitemo combined down the right flank, with the latter squaring low into the box where Iwunze was waiting to guide home past Laurie Walker to give the visitors the lead.
Aaron Downes’ side could have had a second shortly after, as Danny Waldron saw a header tipped over the bar by the excellent Walker, while Will Merrett also headed wide as Hereford looked to give themselves some breathing space.
Billy Phillips also missed a golden opportunity as he was allowed in on goal, only to slide the ball wide. Those chances would come back to bite as Bedford Town equalised late in the day.
Evans heroics
Iwunze also had a late chance to secure the win, but Walker denied him with another superb stop, with the home side still in the game as five minutes of injury time was displayed on the fourth official’s board.
And they struck in the final of those five minutes, despite a golden chance for Moncur in the final minute of added time that was cleared off the line.
Josh Castiglione galloped clear down the right wing, crossing into a crowded box. Hereford were unable to clear properly, and the ball fell to the feet of Reece Evans who swivelled to place home the equaliser.
It was all but the final act, as the Eagles picked up a point, leaving Hereford to wonder if the two dropped points could end up being crucial come the business end of the campaign.
Bedford Town are in FA Cup action next week, hosting Isthmian League side, Wingate and Finchley who will be looking for back-to-back victories in the town following their own FA Trophy victory at Real Bedford on Saturday.
Hereford have a free weekend as they were knocked out in the second qualifying round at Stafford Rangers.
