Bedford Men's 1s completed their final pre-season weekend in style, winning all 4 of their matches in the PLUM tournament held at Old Loughts on 15th and 16th Sept for the first time ever.

Despite missing several senior players for part of, or the whole weekend (Simba Chigwada, Dave Appleton, James Bilham, Rob Turner, Rich Evans, Matt Wilson, Rob Tarrant) Bedford were able to put on display their much improved strength in depth; integrating new players Vincent Pretorius, Tom White, Adrian Talbot, Mike Jenner and achieved solid victories against Chelmsford and the Isle of Man, and more significantly against National League opposition in the shape of Brighton and Hove Albion and Doncaster. The squad included 5 U18 players who showed a maturity and awareness far beyond their years (Charlie Axford, Dan Smith, Tom Constant, Dave Townson, Tom Blythman).

The results in full were
Chelmsford 2-0
Brighton & Hove 2-1
Isle of Man 3-1
Doncaster 3-1

A very happy Assistant Coach Richard McDonald said "It was great to see players really step up and be counted this weekend. In a run of tough fixtures, the squad really impressed with their togetherness and selfless attitude. It’s a great place we can build from as the season approaches, but to have around 25 players now realistically competing for a place in the 1st team squad means that competition for places is fierce. Based on this weekend, future selection is going to be tough, but Stefan and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way."

The team awaits it's first home league game against Ipswich at Chester Road on 22nd Sept 2:30pm start, eager to build on the successes of the weekend but are well aware Coach Stefan Taylor won’t let them drop the high standards that have now been set.

All support welcome!