The Eagles were beaten 0-1 at home by Needham Market in another gut-wrenching loss for the Eagles. Despite a good first half, Luke Ingram scored the winner for the Marketmen early in the second half and that was enough for the points.

Bedford had a fantastic early chance when Rene Howe hit the crossbar from distance. He picked up a loose ball and his long shot almost found the back of the net as it rattled the crossbar.

The Eagles had a penalty shout at around ten minutes in after Carlos Lyon was through and he was tugged back by the Needham defender. The referee didn’t see anything in the challenge and play continued.

Needham Market had a great chance at the end of the first half when they too rattled the crossbar. This came from a Dylan Williams free kick which gave Lewis Elsom a scare as the ball hit the crossbar and rebounded out for a goal kick.

As the half went on, the game settled down as Needham Market started getting more of a foothold. Bedford were still dominating but Needham were getting more into the game. The first half finished with honours even.

With just under an hour gone, Needham Market went ahead. Ross Crane was unleashed down the left wing and he chipped the ball over Lewis Elsom where Luke Ingram was rushing in to finish. A real kick in the teeth for the Eagles.

The final thirty minutes of the game was a tough one for the Eagles as Graeme Tomlinson’s men threw everything at Needham Market’s defence. Unfortunately, nothing came as the Marketmen took the points.

Another very disappointing defeat for the Eagles who are still on the hunt for their first win of 2023. Next up, the Eagles face Arlesey Town in the Beds Senior Cup quarter final at New Lamb Meadow.