Saturday 24th September 2011,
at The Eyrie, Meadow Lane, Bedford
Evo-Stik Southern League - Premier Division
Bedford Town (1) 1
Drew Roberts 37
Oxford City (1) 2
Wayne Blossom 14, Felipe Barcelos 75
Admission £9, Programme £2, Attendance 259
You could be forgiven for thinking that Bedford Town FC have simply missed a word off of one of those signs or had a recent name change... but, there are actually two separate grounds on the site, that are quite literally right next door to each other.
In fact, while the Bedford Town subs were warming up near the corner flag, they threw a ball back over the fence, that had appeared on the touchline from the neighbouring ground.
It was a curious sight to see the players from both of this afternoon's games walking out for their respective games at the same time ... the elevated MacMullen Park dressing rooms overlook one end of the Eyrie.
the record, Bedford lost their FA Vase tie against Basildon United 1-3, in front of 29 spectators.
McMullen Park has a decent sized main stand and looks to be worth a visit next time I'm in the area, which will probably be in the not too distant future.
Incidentally, Bedford FC ply their trade in the Molten Spartan South Midlands League Division 1.
But I bet you already knew that ... smart arses!
Bedford Town v Oxford City
So today, I find myself in deepest Bedfordshire.
Possibly a bit off radar for me, though the boundaries of my regular stomping ground do tend to get a bit blurred from time to times.
Today's the day my son flew the nest, so to speak... and moved away to University.
His residence of choice for the next three years is Bedfordshire University's Luton campus.
Go for it our Sam!
I arrived in Luton early to avoid all the other parents, with their little darlings in tow and their cars full of boxes clogging up all the premium parking spaces, only to discover that every single person who would be arriving at the Lea Halls today, had exactly the same freakin' idea as me. D'oh!
But after three lengthy route marches, from the very far end of the second nearest car park to his new premises, AKA funkin' miles away, we finally finished unpacking at about ten past two ... and I suggested that it was probably in everyone's best interests if I got out of the way for a few hours, while he found his feet, did all the meeting and greeting stuff and his mum went off into town to buy all those supplies and last minute essentials he's going to need.
Hmm ... where on earth could I possibly go, to kill some time this afternoon?Yeah, of course, being the sad lad football addict that I am, I'd already checked out all the fixture lists as soon as he got his moving in date... and I knew exactly where Meadow Lane, just off the Bedford bypass road is. In actual fact, we passed it on the way here.
And, for the record, I already know which clubs are playing at home within a 30 mile radius of Luton when I take Sam's niece (AKA my granddaughter) to visit him in the near future too. I'm sure that they won't want me getting under their feet while they're hanging out and doing their young people stuff.
There is a decent-sized social club at the Eyrie, but I'd still got a long drive ahead of me this evening, so a beer was out of the question... unfortunately.
There was an interesting array of club memorabilia to peruse in the club, but even I, the most unselfconscious man in the history of the world, was very aware of a large number of people staring at me while I was taking few pictures of the said trinkets... who, pray tell. is this strange outsider with the camera, perusing our treasure trove?
That said, the majority of people at the Eyrie were very welcoming and friendly.
"I think he must be one of those ground-hopper types!".
I'd refute that, but I've been called a lot worse of late.
It occurred to me, that amidst all of the excitement of this momentous day, that while we'd been rushing about, I had forgotten to eat anything yet, which is seriously out of character for me.
So I went off in search of sustenance, figuring that a bog standard burger or pie would probably have to do.
There was a burger van and it seemed to be very popular too... but I was delighted to discover the impressive range of food that Bedford Town's tea hut in the opposite corner to the clubhouse had to offer.
Anyone who's ever known the sheer 'pleasure you can't measure', of visiting the array of Women's Institute stalls in Retford's Butter-market on a Saturday morning (it sells just about everything, apart from butter itself), would approve of the Supporters Club run facility here.
A buttered fruit scone, a slab of bread and button pudding, a slice of chocolate Rice Krispie cake and a big mug of industrial-strength coffee, for a pittance of a combined outlay of just £1.50, leads me to believe that I can already call off all bets for who's going to win THE66POW food outlet of the season award.
The variety was endless ... and all home baked quality stuff too.
Oxford City's pre match warm up
There was an interesting array of club memorabilia to peruse in the club, but even I, the most unselfconscious man in the history of the world, was very aware of a large number of people staring at me while I was taking few pictures of the said trinkets... who, pray tell. is this strange outsider with the camera, perusing our treasure trove?
That said, the majority of people at the Eyrie were very welcoming and friendly.
"I think he must be one of those ground-hopper types!".
I'd refute that, but I've been called a lot worse of late.
It occurred to me, that amidst all of the excitement of this momentous day, that while we'd been rushing about, I had forgotten to eat anything yet, which is seriously out of character for me.So I went off in search of sustenance, figuring that a bog standard burger or pie would probably have to do.
There was a burger van and it seemed to be very popular too... but I was delighted to discover the impressive range of food that Bedford Town's tea hut in the opposite corner to the clubhouse had to offer.
 |
| Max Wall... an unconfirmed sighting. |
A buttered fruit scone, a slab of bread and button pudding, a slice of chocolate Rice Krispie cake and a big mug of industrial-strength coffee, for a pittance of a combined outlay of just £1.50, leads me to believe that I can already call off all bets for who's going to win THE66POW food outlet of the season award.
The variety was endless ... and all home baked quality stuff too.
On the bench today for Bedford Town was the former Birmingham City and Mansfield Town (plus loads of other clubs) left back Nicky Platnauer ... he wasn't playing of course, he's a bit too old for of that charging about these days, but he's back at the Eagles for a second stint as their assistant manager.
I once saw Nicky play for and against Mansfield Town in the same game. It was a friendly at Kettering Town and he played 45 minutes for each team, I never did ask why at the time.
And I was too busy munching on my culinary delights, to find out the reson when our paths crossed again today too.
I did wonder if Oxford City had a famous former left back on their bench too... but upon closer inspection, discovered that it was a Stuart Pearce, as opposed to the Stuart 'Psycho' Pearce.
I once saw Nicky play for and against Mansfield Town in the same game. It was a friendly at Kettering Town and he played 45 minutes for each team, I never did ask why at the time.
And I was too busy munching on my culinary delights, to find out the reson when our paths crossed again today too.
I did wonder if Oxford City had a famous former left back on their bench too... but upon closer inspection, discovered that it was a Stuart Pearce, as opposed to the Stuart 'Psycho' Pearce.
Oxford City's pre match warm up
Oxford kicked off and before long they were showing why they are currently flying high in second place in the table.
Declan Benjamin fired narrowly wide and Jack Ashton shot over the crossbar inside the first five minutes... and it looked as though the home side were going to be really up against it this afternoon and their plight wasn't helped any, when their captain: Gavin Hoyle earned himself a straight red card in the twelfth minute, for a stamp cum foul from behind on Steve Basham.
I've seen worse tackles than that punished with a yellow card and a severe talking to... but, strictly speaking, in applying the letter of the law, the referee: Mr J Steel, had no option but to send Hoyle off, for a combination of reasons.
Hoyle wouldn't have even had the bath taps running, before the visitors were ahead.
With the hosts defence still reorganising, a quickly taken free quick into their area that was fired home by the Oxford captain Wayne Blossom.
As captain's examples to their team mates go, it was a stark contrast.
"The referee's ruined as a spectacle now, he might as well give them the game, he's effectively killed it now" ranted an angry Bedford fan stood nearby.
Hmm, I pondered ... is the ref supposed to let fouls go unpunished?
Is it the ref or Gavin Hoyle's fault that the game is no longer eleven aside and goalless?
On the whole I don't think the referee had a brilliant game, but he can't ignore a player deliberately raising his studs, especially when tackling, never mind fouling an opponent from behind, two misdemeanours that are outlawed in the game.
But the Bedford team didn't think the game was effectively dead, not at all ... and in Drew Roberts, their prolific goalscorer, it looked as if they had a player who was willing to do the work of two men to get them back into it.
Oxford were not pushing their numerical advantage home (not yet) and the Eagles were busting a gut as they tried clawing (or should that be taloning?) their way back into the game.
Jason Mooney in the visitors goal, though not exactly being called upon to serve up some kind of urgent rearguard action, was having to concentrate on the job in hand, as a succession of free kicks and half chances pinged around the box in front of him.
Aim ...
Strictly speaking once again, applying the letter of the law, that could have been a red card too, but Clarke escaped with a yellow and a free kick was awarded, outside the box.
Far be it from me to suggest the actual contact was made inside the area... but, it made for an interesting photo opportunity that all but confirmed where the transgression had actually taken place... and there are no ifs or buts about it, the home side were denied a stonewall claim for a penalty.
But, within a minute of their unsuccessful appeal, Bedford were level ... when Drew Roberts took matters into his own hands and fired past Mooney from just inside the box... justice over the 50/50 (70/30?) 'incident' had been done.
And all of Bedford's hard work and running to overcome the handicap of only having ten men was bearing fruit. Leastways for the time being.
But, ultimately, all of that extra effort was to be their undoing. because they looked visibly knackered after the break. 'Blowing out of their fackin arses!", as an octogenarian local so eloquently put it.
Declan Benjamin fired narrowly wide and Jack Ashton shot over the crossbar inside the first five minutes... and it looked as though the home side were going to be really up against it this afternoon and their plight wasn't helped any, when their captain: Gavin Hoyle earned himself a straight red card in the twelfth minute, for a stamp cum foul from behind on Steve Basham.
I've seen worse tackles than that punished with a yellow card and a severe talking to... but, strictly speaking, in applying the letter of the law, the referee: Mr J Steel, had no option but to send Hoyle off, for a combination of reasons.
Hoyle wouldn't have even had the bath taps running, before the visitors were ahead.
With the hosts defence still reorganising, a quickly taken free quick into their area that was fired home by the Oxford captain Wayne Blossom.
As captain's examples to their team mates go, it was a stark contrast.
"The referee's ruined as a spectacle now, he might as well give them the game, he's effectively killed it now" ranted an angry Bedford fan stood nearby.
Hmm, I pondered ... is the ref supposed to let fouls go unpunished?
Is it the ref or Gavin Hoyle's fault that the game is no longer eleven aside and goalless?
On the whole I don't think the referee had a brilliant game, but he can't ignore a player deliberately raising his studs, especially when tackling, never mind fouling an opponent from behind, two misdemeanours that are outlawed in the game.
Oxford were not pushing their numerical advantage home (not yet) and the Eagles were busting a gut as they tried clawing (or should that be taloning?) their way back into the game.
Jason Mooney in the visitors goal, though not exactly being called upon to serve up some kind of urgent rearguard action, was having to concentrate on the job in hand, as a succession of free kicks and half chances pinged around the box in front of him.
How not to take a free kick ...
shot on location at Bedford Town FC
Ready?
shot on location at Bedford Town FC
Ready?
Aim ...
Misfire!
On 36 minutes, the Eagles might have had a penalty when James Clarke hacked down the last man, Gareth Price, as he outpaced him on his way into the visitors box.Strictly speaking once again, applying the letter of the law, that could have been a red card too, but Clarke escaped with a yellow and a free kick was awarded, outside the box.
Far be it from me to suggest the actual contact was made inside the area... but, it made for an interesting photo opportunity that all but confirmed where the transgression had actually taken place... and there are no ifs or buts about it, the home side were denied a stonewall claim for a penalty.
But, within a minute of their unsuccessful appeal, Bedford were level ... when Drew Roberts took matters into his own hands and fired past Mooney from just inside the box... justice over the 50/50 (70/30?) 'incident' had been done.And all of Bedford's hard work and running to overcome the handicap of only having ten men was bearing fruit. Leastways for the time being.
But, ultimately, all of that extra effort was to be their undoing. because they looked visibly knackered after the break. 'Blowing out of their fackin arses!", as an octogenarian local so eloquently put it.
Oxford's full quota of manpower finally told in the second half and there were a few all hands to the pumps situations for the Eagles to deal with, as they battled to keep the score level, particularly when Felipe Barcelos got in amongst them from the left flank.
The Brazilian, Barcelos, recently had trials at Premier League Fulham and he's obviously got what it takes to cut it at a higher level than the Southern League.
But for the time being, Oxford City have his guile, speed and cunning at their disposal... while a steady flow of league club scouts make their way along the M40 to check the highly sought after player out.
The Eagles defence keep a close watch on Felipe Barcelos
It was inevitable that a breakthrough would eventually come for City... and when it did it was no surprise that Barcelos was the man to get the goal that proved to be the winner.
After being man marked every time he got the ball, by a defence who were well aware of the threat he possessed, the Oxford substitute suddenly popped up in a yard of space on the left hand side of the penalty area, raced forward, took aim and smacked an unstoppable shot past Ian Brown.
Bedford's resolve and resistance had finally been breached, but it had taken a moment of magic from a top class player to do it.
The Brazilian, Barcelos, recently had trials at Premier League Fulham and he's obviously got what it takes to cut it at a higher level than the Southern League.
But for the time being, Oxford City have his guile, speed and cunning at their disposal... while a steady flow of league club scouts make their way along the M40 to check the highly sought after player out.
The Eagles defence keep a close watch on Felipe BarcelosAfter being man marked every time he got the ball, by a defence who were well aware of the threat he possessed, the Oxford substitute suddenly popped up in a yard of space on the left hand side of the penalty area, raced forward, took aim and smacked an unstoppable shot past Ian Brown.
Bedford's resolve and resistance had finally been breached, but it had taken a moment of magic from a top class player to do it.
 |
| Filipe Barcelos scores and waves for the camera. |
But Bedford dug in once more and despite Oxford creating a couple of half chances to finish them off, they steadfastly refused to let the floodgates open.
In fact, a counter attack almost saw James Faulkner equalise right at the death ... while Jermaine Ivy had looked like a real handful when he came on as a late substitute for the home side too.
But it wasn't to be and in the end, the 11 men beat the team who had battled on with 10 men for 78 minutes.
FT: Bedford Town 1 v Oxford City 2
In fact, a counter attack almost saw James Faulkner equalise right at the death ... while Jermaine Ivy had looked like a real handful when he came on as a late substitute for the home side too.
But it wasn't to be and in the end, the 11 men beat the team who had battled on with 10 men for 78 minutes.
FT: Bedford Town 1 v Oxford City 2
I headed back to Luton, to say my goodbyes for the time being to our young 'un and top up his spends until the useless feckers who deal with his student finances get their fingers out. But he's worth it.All of the other parents had gone home ages ago, except for our lass, ever the loving mum, who I had to drag back to the car by her ankles, kicking and screaming, while she clung forlornly at his halls of residence carpet with her fingernails.
It's like this missus... "If you want a lift back to your own house. in Retford, because you can't stay here, I'm going now! And I need you to pay for the diesel, now I've just emptied my wallet of every last penny I own, to tide him over"
"He's a big lad now, finding his own way in the world, it's his time... and I'm sure he'll soon be navigating the rites of passage of Uni life any time soon without any pointers from us."
Maybe I shouldn't have joked about drugs being much cheaper from the local taxi-drivers than they are for students at the bigger city campus' whilst trying to put her mind at rest.At least she only rang him three times on the way home.
Next stop... I'm North Wales on Tuesday night, for Wrexham v Mansfield Town.
And then I've got two games lined up for on Wednesday... the party never stops!
