Match preview

The Eagles make their shortest trip in the league, of just over 6 miles from ground to ground, to face Kempston Rovers at Hillgrounds. The last two season's league matches are all square in terms of wins and losses. Two seasons ago, the away advantage counted, as we beat Rovers 2-1 at Hillgrounds, before losing later in the season 1-0 at home. Last season saw home advantage rule, as we ran out 5-1 winners at home, but lost 2-1 away. Over the last two seasons, Rovers have finished above us in the league, coming 6th and 7th to our 8th in both years.
This season sees both sides with six points from four games, with Bedford lying in 7th, whilst Rovers are in 10th. Also both sides are through to the 2nd Qualifying round of the FA Cup. Rovers beat Desborough Town of the Future Lions United Counties League (step 5) away, before beating Chalfont St. Peter of the Bostik League South Central Division (step 4) on penalties, in a replay at Hillgrounds. The Eagles, as we know, beat Dereham Town of the Bostik League North Division (step 4) at home, before beating Enfield Town of the Bostik League Premier Division (step 3) away. In the next round, Rovers will host Marlow, also of the Bostik League South Central Division, whilst the Eagles face a formidable task at step 2 side from the Vanarama National League South side, AFC Telford United.
So, it's neck and neck at the moment between the sides. A win for either will win the bragging rights until we play again, and the satisfaction of staying or going above their local rivals. Previous fixtures have produced a win for either side, which shows that neither side will be content with a draw. It's going to be a good one.
On a footnote, although Bedford and Kempston are rivals on the pitch, and have the banter to go with it, last season's trouble at Hillgrounds was caused by just 4 so called @mkdonsfc fans, who, unfortunately for Bedford, attached themselves to the away contingent, and caused trouble at the end of the match with some Kempston fans. It was a very sad sight to see.