An hour up the A1 to visit Bedford Town, home of former City favourites Paul Turner and short-haired Lee Harvey. Andy Lomas is Assistant Manager. Promoted last season, they lost their opening game on Saturday at The Wooood. Nicknamed 'The Eagles, Bedford play at The Eyrie at Caddington. A newish ground built within the last 5 or 6 years clearly for development in stages. There are stands on all sides for extension later. The lack of terracing is a frustrating price to pay. Small temporary clubhouse but fit for purpose. 3 good tea-bars. Nice people and fans. About a dozen stewards. The appearance of a well-organised club. These people are going somewhere.
Our first away match of the campaign and it has to better tonight than Hampton at the weekend. For tonight, The Dynamic Duo selected Wilmott in goal, 4 at the back: Moran, Brown, Lineghan and Rattle; 4 in the midfield: Wraight, Metcalf, Evans and Smith; and up front Ansell with new signing, the local boy back from Hucknall Town, Simon Martin. On the bench were Campbell, Fenton, and Honeyball. In the stand were Goddard and Bignall (both injured) and Nabil (suspended).
Both sides started tentatively which was probably to the advantage of the Saints after Saturday's performance. An easier introduction to the Ryman League. Neither side made many scoring opportunities but the corner count was in favour of Bedford who shaded the first half on points. Martin looks quick and talented but short of match fitness. He will soon settle and will do well. H.T. 0-0.
The second half was livelier. On the hour, to the surprise of most observers, the referee adjudged Ansell to be fouled just inside the box and awarded a penalty which the No 9 converted with a straight drive. 0-1. Two minutes later, to the surprise of most observers, the referee adjudged Lineghan to have climbed over their No 9 and awarded a penalty. Wilmott saved the straight drive. City were on top for the next 10 minutes but the final ball was not quite 'there'. Martin had a couple of chances but couldn't test the keeper. Brown was injured and replaced by Campbell who did well. Fenton replaced Martin with 10 minutes left. For the last 10, Bedford pressed for the equaliser and made several chances including 2 sitters but they couldn't find the back of the net. F.T. 0-1.
The crowd was 647 with some 150 Travelling City Faithful. Bedford were disappointing with a lack of firepower up front. On this form and without strikers they will struggle this year. I predict bottom third. The Saints were better tonight. Wraight looked sharper and showed his pedigree and Martin impressed. The defence doesn't look right to me. Three points are very welcome and Wilmott will be pleased to have atoned for Saturday's howler.
Entertainment 7/10. Atmosphere 7/10. Technical Merit 5/10. Referee 6/10
Report by Awayday |
