Match Preview

Today we welcome Bedford Town Football Club to Coles Lane. They are based in Cardington Bedfordshire and play at the Eyrie Stadium, Meadow Lane. The stadium holds 3000 supporters, and they play on a grass pitch measuring 100m x 50m.

Bedford have a nickname of ‘The Eagles’ and their home kit is a blue shirt, shorts and socks, and away it’s a yellow shirt, shorts and socks. The goalkeeper wears a green shirt and black shorts and socks.

Bedford were founded 1908 and initially they played in the United Counties League and its forerunners, the Northampton League and Northampton Alliance.

They originally played in a black and amber strip, but this was changed to a blue and white one at the start of the 1950-51 season. After 74 years, the Club folded in 1982 when the owners of the ground in Queens Park applied their right to end the lease. When plans to build a new stadium near Barkers Lane, Bedford, failed, the Club was wound up. This meant the Club had to find their own ground in order to be promoted. The Council finally decided a site at Meadow Lane, Cardington, a former council tree nursery, would be the most suitable, and with financial support from the council, and much hard work from supporters and committee members, the New Eyrie was ready for the opening night game against Peterborough United watched by a crowd of over 3,000.

The last game Bedford played was in the FA Trophy, where they won 7:0 against Aldershot Town.

Sutton having lost their last game will be keen to get back on a winning run. but Bedford Town will provide a difficult test as they are in 8th position at present and looking good for a play-off place.

Sutton will be without Lee Smith so will have to get used to playing without him. Having said that, he has been sent off so many times this season they almost have! Joking aside we all wish Lee the best of luck for the future.

Sutton will be having a busy Christmas period so will be grateful for your continued support.

Merry Christmas all and let’s get behind the lads.