The first pre-season game of the 22/23 campaign at the Eyrie. AFC Wimbledon were the visiting side on this day after a late opposition switch. Johnnie Jackson’s men travelled up to Bedfordshire in their first game since relegation from the Sky Bet League One.

Bedford’s starting lineup included 4 new signings and 2 trialists. The game began and immediately you could tell Tyrone Lewthwaite up front will be a handful for opposition defences. It was a scrappy start to the game but Bedford stood their ground at the back and looked dangerous in attack. As the game went on, AFC Wimbledon settled down and started asking questions of the Bedford defence with Luke McCormick causing a lot of problems down the left flank. He looked like a tricky player to play against and his early effort rebounded off of the crossbar after shouts of offside. This was a relief as it looked destined of the back of the net.

Soon after, Dons had found the back of the next and of course it was Luke McCormick. It was a confident finish after a good ball threaded through which he took around Alex Street and placed into the empty net. This seemed to boost the confidence of the Dons’ attack as the wing backs began joining the attacks more often.

There was also a bit going on up front for the Eagles. New forwards Tyrone Lewthwaite and Liam Brooks put themselves about and caught out the AFC Wimbledon defence on multiple occasion but were unable to find the back of the net. Will Summerfield also came close from a ball whipped in but the ball was gathered by Nikola Tzanev in goal before he could get a shot off.

It was soon 0-2 after some clever play from the dons. The defence was caught flat footed with a nice through ball played to the winger who squared it to Zach Robinson who tapped in for 0-2. That was all the action from the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, both sides made a few changes. Bedford started to gel into the game more and the team started to click. Luke Pennell had the best chance of the bunch when a pinpoint free kick was whipped in and he headed goal bound but it whistled past the post.

Gary Setchell made a few changes and Max Bustamente looked lively in the front line for the Eagles. The second half was a more even affair as Bedford settled down. Nothing separated the two teams in the last 45 minutes. Alex Street was forced to make some strong saves and was tested on numerous occasions. AFC Wimbledon kept flowing and had some shots but Alex Street watched as they flew over the crossbar. The game finished Bedford Town 0-2 AFC Wimbledon.

It was great to see the boys back in action and get some minutes under their belt. It was a good early test for the team and thanks to AFC Wimbledon for coming up and playing!

Next up for the Eagles is another home friendly against national league side Barnet FC. Advanced tickets for this fixture are on sale now on the Bedford Town Box Office, as are the remaining four home friendlies. A reminder to supporters that advanced tickets will only remain on sale until 3pm matchday, after which tickets can only be purchased on the turnstile.