This Saturday, Bedford Town host local rivals, Kempston Rovers in the PitchingIn Southern League Division One Central. Scott Dash’s side take their shortest trip of the season down the A421 to face Gary Setchell’s Eagles who currently sit second in the table.

The Walnut Boys currently sit at third from bottom but have recently picked up four points against one of the league’s top outfits, North Leigh, plus an an impressive 6-1 home win against Colney Heath.

This week, the club sat down with Bedford Town full-back, Lewis Miccio, who spoke to bedfordeagles.net about the season so far. Lewis recently turned 23 and he's settled in nicely to life in Bedford. See the interview below:

Lewis, thank you for taking the time to speak with www.bedfordeagles.net. How are you settling in to life at Bedford Town?

I’m really enjoying it here, the club has been so welcoming since my first game in pre-season and the supporters have been fantastic. It’s great to be playing consistently and being part of a team that wants to win.

You’ve had a superb season so far personally, scoring twice and creating many chances for the team. What’s your assessment of the season so far on a personal and team level?

Personally I’m happy with my performances and loving how often I get to play. I feel fitter and stronger than ever but still feel I have more to contribute with goals and assists. As for the team, I feel like we’re in a great position fighting for top spot. We’ve got a great squad filled with lots of talent and we’ve shown some great performances to prove that. Obviously, some results haven’t gone our way but our reaction to those setbacks has been excellent.

There's lots of talk of promotion amongst the supporters at present. Do you think Bedford Town will be promoted this season?

I definitely think it’s attainable, as I said earlier we have a strong squad that’s capable of getting promoted and that’s our number 1 objective.

You’ve previously played at the 5th & 6th tier of English football and 2nd tier in Australia. What has paying at that level brought to your game at Southern League level?

There’s a lot that I’ve taken on board from the previous clubs and levels I’ve played at. In Australia I definitely gained confidence in being an attacking fullback and enjoying my football. Playing in the UK has taught me more of the professional side of the game like fine tuning details, and putting the time into improving any weaknesses. I also think it’s helped me develop a strong work ethic and bring a high intensity into my game.

You've come a long way since your first football match, holding your father's hand while running around the pitch! Although I hear you still scored a hat trick that day! What's the biggest difference between playing football in Australia vs. the UK?

Haha! I’ve come a long way since that for sure. The biggest difference in football between the countries would be the passion and desire. It brings such a high intensity to the game and the speed of play is a lot faster. I really enjoy it though and think it suits my style of play.

I heard that outside of football, you also run a successful podcast and you used to be lead singer in a rock band too. Is that something you're still involved in and looking to pursue or are you all about the football now?

The podcast is a lot of fun, me and my best mate back home in Australia started it a few years ago and are still doing it now! It’s been a great way to stay in touch as well, since I’ve moved to the UK. As for the rock band, that was a while ago. I think I was about 14. Those days are behind me, but I still enjoy singing and playing guitar

Thanks again Lewis, hopefully you have a good birthday this week as you celebrate turning 23. I know your family are big followers back home. Any message you want to give them?

No problem at all, it’s a pleasure. Thank you very much, I’ll still have to train on my birthday!
Yes, my family are my number 1 supporters and they love being able to watch the highlights on Eagle Vision. I’d like to say to my family and friends that I miss you all and thank you for all the support you’ve given me over the past few years it means so much to have you every step of the way.

Lewis and his fellow Eagles have been working hard in preparation for the last few games of the calendar year. Join us this Saturday for derby day at The Eyrie. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Also, check out the Almost Everything Podcast, courtesy of Lewis and his friend Tim, also available on Apple Podcasts.

#RainbowLaces

Saturday is an extra special occasion, outside of our normal affairs, as for the first time, Bedford Town FC will be proudly supporting Stonewall's Rainbow Laces Campaign. A fantastic initiative supporting LGBTQ+ equality in sport.

Admission info for all home matches, including this Saturday’s fixture can be found here.