the waders

11th October – Bubbling 7 Up!

Biggleswade Town 7 – 1 Cockfosters (league)

Kevin Cooper made it a dream debut to be crowned the Carlsberg King after he scored a first half brace to help get Waders back on League form here on Saturday. But it was old Hertford team mate Ryan Redford who got the home side off to the perfect start in the second minute when he received a ball from Glen Lamacraft on the edge of the box to shoot past the flailing Cockfosters keeper.

Cooper then got the ball on the floor and his fierce 15 yard drive sailed into the net to give the debut boy his debut goal. 2 up then with just 10 minutes played but the visitors started to work hard and carve out some opportunities for themselves. But two Daniel Flack corners forced them onto the back foot again and with the Cockfosters keeper handling poorly the visitors had their work cut out for them. In the 38th minute a 38 yard free kick from Flack was knocked on by Liam Folds and the debut boy turned and pounced to secure his second and The Waders 3rd goal of the half. Just one minute later it was 4-0 as another excellent Flack cross caused confusion in the Cockfosters penalty area and Ben Andreos sliced the ball into his own net.

Jack Weeden almost increased the lead as the second period got under way but the visitors myriad of half time changes included removing their keeper and placing an outfield player between the posts. His save from Weeden quickly proving his worth. And now the visitors seemed to get their act together and forced a couple of quick corners whilst also holding onto the ball for longer periods. Indeed it was a substitute who almost stole a goal at the far post when a low shot was left by everyone. Then Cockfosters got their reward for some hard work as Dan O’Connor picked up the ball in left field and shot past Badcock to give them some hope with 22 minutes to play. But less than a minute later Gavin Conway had put the ball in his own net when under pressure from Neil Morgan.

Waders made a series of substitutions as the game stared to wind down but there was still time for chances to both sides before Adam Bensaud fired the home sides 6th after working well on the right to gain possession with a clever chip over an opponents trailing leg. Dan Heron then nearly made it 7 after super work from Flack down the left wing and moments later thought he had scored after getting the ball over the keepers head and into the net, only for it to be ruled offside.

Peter Gatti then joined the queue to get on the scoresheet after he combined well with Heron only to see his fierce tight angled shot whistle across the face of goal. Two minutes into injury time and the 7th goal finally came as Neil Morgan tapped in at the far post after Flack saw his shot pushed away by the substitute keeper.

A worthy win then and a great way for the team to hit back after the recent injury crisis at The Carlsberg Stadium.

Report: The Wader

BTFC:

Saturday 4th October. Waders Fly Through

Biggleswade Town 2 - 0 Berkhamsted Town

FA Vase 1st Round Proper

Cold and blustery weather greeted the teams onto the pitch, but with the FA Carlsberg Vase on display in the smart new clubhouse, the Carlsberg Stadium played host to an entertaining cup tie.

Two early chances, for an injury hit Waders, set out the home teams stall, but it was just as the visitors were starting to carve out their own opportunities when Biggleswade took the lead with 12 minutes gone against a strong wind. Chris Hewitt passed the ball in well to Ryan Redford on the far edge of the box, and his firmly hit shot gave Sam Styles in the Berkhamsted goal no chance.

The visitors first real effort of the match came in the 18th minute courtesy of their captain Tony Fields and a good low 25 yard shot it was, but cleanly gathered.

With 10 minutes of the half remaining, Redford almost doubled the lead, but the ball hit the woodwork from his spectacular overhead kick. The visitors continued to ride their luck when Simpson saw a 20 yard shot go inches wide, and then Adam Bensaud saw his efforts saved off the line.

But the last attacking action of the half fell to Berkhamsted’s Neil Richardson whose firm shot was well saved by Badcock.

The second period started slowly but gathered pace when Waders went close through a spilled Lamacraft shot and a blocked Redford effort. Berkhamsted just couldn’t get the game flowing but had a good penalty shout waved away by referee Barry when Paul Reynolds appeared to handle in the box, and moments earlier Jack Denham had seen an effort saved off the line by eventual man of the match Daniel Flack.

It was Flack that made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute when his 27 yard free kick flew into the corner of Styles goal. This brought forth Berkhamsteds best spell of the match with Richardson going closest. Golden Boot holder Dan Heron now entered the fray and almost immediately caused problems and turned the tide back to home favour. But it was the visitors who had the next best chance when a mix up in the home defence almost gifted a chance to Ashley Addison.

With minutes remaining Flack nearly secured his brace when another superb free kick flew inches wide. And then Neil Morgan almost got himself on the score sheet when the gentleman defender found himself deep in enemy territory for a terrific chance that was somehow averted from goal.

The crowd cheered loudly as the final whistle brought a halt to proceedings and Waders must now wait until Monday lunchtime to hear their opponents in Round 2.

Report - The Wader

BTFC - Badcock, Flack, Morgan, Webster, Reynolds, Lamacraft, Weeden, Hewitt, Redford, Bensaud, Simpson.

Subs Used - Heron, Dance, Daniels.

Saturday 13th September. Tinsel Town Torn By Tigers

Biggleswade Town 4 - 4 Kingsbury London Tigers

A 93rd minute equaliser from substitute Dave Daniels earned Waders a league point here at the Carlsberg Stadium on Saturday. Towns recent glittering results were put to memory by a Kingsbury side in sparkling form themselves.

In a thrilling contest between 3rd placed Town and 2nd placed Tigers the visitors were initially made to work hard after having Tarik Elleckhlift red carded in the 6th minute. His 'last man' penalty box challenge on Ryan Redford gave Daniel Flack the chance to give the home side an early lead and the spot kick was taken with alacrity.

Kingsbury adjusted their formation and for the next 25 minutes the teams battled to control the midfield. Waders next effort came on 32 minutes when great work from Glenn Lamacraft saw him pick up a loose ball and waltz past 3 defenders only to see his shot well saved by Kambila. Moments later Lamacraft wafted in a good ball that caused confusion in the visitors defence, with Redford's shot put behind. the resultant corner was cleared only for Paul Garrett to have a wicked shot saved by the lithe Kingsbury keeper.

The visitors responded well though and after a brief spell of pressure Marcus Lansiquot headed home a corner to level the score. This was immediately backed up by more good work from Kingsbury with Adil Salih, Henry Ememike and Edson Cata all combining well to produce two corners. First period stoppage time brought the crowd to life again, first with a Garrett rasper from 22 yards that whistled just wide of Kambila's post and then a Cata shot that similarly skimmed the home keepers upright.

The start of the second half saw Waders break quickly and the resultant goalmouth scramble had KLT floundering. But again they responded and took the lead minutes later through fast reactions and clever passing. A loose ball was intercepted, moved on with pace and delivered to Renars Zarchenko who fired low to see the ball fly under Howard's body in the Waders goal.

With Bobby Dance clearly suffering from a first half injury, manager Chris Nunn replaced him with Adam Bensaud to ring the changes in attack. Just after the hour mark an excellent Flack corner caused confusion not for the first time in the visitors goal area and Lansiquot in desperation to clear his lines sliced the ball just over his own bar. Neil Morgan then saw a header saved low down by Kambila and the KLT keeper was grateful moments later to see a Bensaud header go a yard wide.

But the visitors were prowling and moving with speed, A 30 yard lob almost caught Howard off guard in the home goal and again the Kingsbury front line were causing problems for the makeshift Town defence. Chris Nunn had seen enough and depserate to get his team back in the game brought Jamie Steele on to join the attack replacing defender Ian Salt. Almost immediately though Kingsbury increased their lead. With what was undoubtedly the best football of the match, the visitors moved the ball again with speed but now with panache as well superb fluidity. Great running from substitute Douglas Mario-Watson saw him finish the play from the edge of the area with a nicely weighted shot to make it 3-1.

The visitors staggering celebrations were short lived though as within a minute Town were back in it after a Flack corner again caused problems and Morgan was there to finish off a Lamacraft lob. It only took another minute from the restart for Town to level the match. Another brilliant corner from the hard working Flack forced Kambila to punch the ball into his own net much to the delight of the home crowd.

But this enthralling contest was far from over as Waders battled for the winner. First Redford had a shot saved from open play and then saw a free kick nicely dummied by Steele in a packed KLT penalty box, only for Kambila to stretch his finger to reach it. As they pressed forward in numbers the Waders defence were left standed for KLT's 4th goal of the day when Edson Cata shot from 20 yards after a break away to see the ball sail over Howard and into the net.

With just 10 minutes to go again the home side pressed forward and KLT had to rely on their keeper to push a Bensaud shot wide and then collect a Morgan effort. The tall defender then had the chance to level the match but his snap shot rolled wide of the goal. With 3 minutes of time added on and the referee poised to blow for full time this match added one final twist to its plot. Dave Daniels had been brought on minutes earlier but now played a vital role as his last gasp effort hit the back of the visitors net to absolute rapture from the main stand.

All action and 8 goals played out in a good spirit gave excellent value for money and the result leaves Kinsgbury still unbeaten in the league and in 2nd place, whilst Waders drop to 4th after Kentish Town's 6-2 win at Cockfosters.

Report - The Wader

BTFC - Howard, Salt, Morgan, Folds, Garrett, Lamacraft, Weeden, Hewitt, Redford, Dance, Flack.

Subs Used - Steele, Bensaud, Daniels.

Tuesday 2nd September. Town Bury Mags

Biggleswade Town 6 - 1 St Margaretsbury

Is football coming back to Biggleswade?

A strange question given the 7-0 win against Welwyn Garden City and last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Brimsdown Rovers. Both great results but neither were at the Carlsberg Stadium and so far the best result at home remained a 1-0 win over Hertford Town.

Before the game manager Chris Nunn made a couple of changes, the first being that the team would play a 4-3-3 formation and Liam Folds would become Club Captain. In addition to this tonight marked the introduction of the FA Respect campaign, we were facing St Margaretsbury who we have always had tough games against and their start to the season suggested they could certainly be a strong opposition. Added to this it was raining – persistently, which was creating a very fast surface.

2 min; Jack Weeden through on goal but didn’t take his opportunity.

3 min; Ryan Redford’s cross in front of goal causes confusion but the ball is eventually collected by James Sturgeon in goal for St Margaretsbury.

5 min; St Margaretsbury corner ends in a high and wide shot.

10 min Mark Webster gets forward and despatches a great cross which is headed out for a corner.

12 min; Great ball in by Daniel Flack and Dan Heron nearly beats the St Margaretsbury keeper.

16 min; Glen Lamacraft shoots just wide.

18 min; Heron shoots wide

23 min: The rain becomes a real downpour but the pitch drains well and the new floodlights make visibility good.

31 min; Weeden passes to Redford, whose shot is saved by Sturgeon to his left side and pushed out for a corner.

32 min Redford receives ball and shoots just wide. Will the ball ever go in for Town?

36 min GOAL! Jack Weeden scores the opener for Town.

38 min Corner taken by Heron headed over by Lamacraft.

44 min GOAL! Ryan Redford cross and Dan Heron heads in number two for Town.

Half Time; Waders are two goals up and the rain has eased off.

50 min; Daniel Flack slides into a tackle but the rain soaked surface takes him forward and he fouls a St Margaretsbury defender – free kick and Flack’s name in the referees book.

57 min; GOAL! – Great work by Flack through the middle, ball out to Weeden on the left wing and the cross finds an unmarked Dan Heron who makes it 3 for Town and scores his second of the night.

60 min; GOAL! Redford picks up ball on right side of the penalty area he moves into area shoots and scores.

62 min: Cross into the St Margaretsbury area missed by keeper and Waders strikers.

64 min; PENALTY! Heron steps up and shoots to the keepers right – Sturgeon guesses correctly and saves.

71 min; St Margaretsbury pressure Town’s goal and the cross causes confusion ending in a close range shot which was bravely saved by Luke Howard in the Biggleswade goal.

72 min; Liam Folds night ends with an injury and he is replaced by Dave Daniels. A quick reshuffle of the team and we are off again.

75 min; Ryan Redford is replaced by Paul Garrett.

77 min; St Margaretsbury attack ends in a cross being headed away for a corner by Mark Webster.

79 min; Bobby Dance on for Dan Heron.

82 min; GOAL! Paul Garrett’s cross in from the left is met by Jack Weeden who shoots and makes it 5-0 to Town.

84 min; GOAL! St Margaretsbury’s Mark Draper benefits from some confusion in the Waders defence and his shot makes it 5 -1.

86 min; Weeden’s free kick from the left is just missed by Neil Morgan as he tried to head in.

88 min; A Waders corner creates a scramble with Sturgeon pulling off two good saves to deny Town a sixth goal.

90 min; GOAL! A perfect pass by Lamacraft picking out the run of Bobby Dance who coolly lobbed the St Margaretsbury keeper to make it 6-1 on the night.

 

So back to the opening question “is football coming back to Biggleswade?” the answer has to be - it has arrived and it looks and feels good to watch. Some of the things that had not quite worked in previous games came together tonight and there was a definite positive feel to Town’s play. The sceptics might say that a goal was conceded which is true but in fairness to St Margaretsbury they took an opportunity on a night when there was little reward for their efforts. Apart from the momentary lack of concentration, tonight’s performance was one of the most complete that has been produced by a Biggleswade Town team in the past couple of seasons. The result takes the Waders to third place in the league and they face fourth place Kentish Town in the next game.

Biggleswade Town: Howard, Webster, Gatti, Morgan, Folds, Hewitt, Weeden, Lamacraft, Redford, Heron, Flack Subs used: Daniels, Garrett, Dance

Attendance: 117

Saturday 30th August.

Patient Waders Reap Reward

Brimsdown Rovers 0 v 3 Biggleswade Town

On a very hot and sunny afternoon a slow paced game was to be expected and so it started with both teams sharing an equal amount of possession and no attempts on goal until the 14th minute when a Biggleswade corner resulted in a shot from Liam Folds which just went wide. For the next 10 minutes or so the game lulled back into a slow moving affair until on 25 minutes when the referee adjudged that Ryan Redford had been tripped inside Brimsdown’s penalty area and awarded the visitors a penalty kick. Redford himself stepped up to take the kick but an unconvincing shot was pushed away for a corner by Allan Buck in the Brimsdown goal.

On 34 minutes a positive Waders attack ended with a Jack Weeden shot hitting the post and the rebound being headed in by Ryan Redford to atone for his missed penalty. The rest of the half produced a few chances for Town, most notably a Paul Garrett shot which was pushed away by the Rovers keeper.

The second half started slowly and produced little to trouble either keeper until about 20 minutes into the second half when Luke Smith of Brimsdown headed over the bar from a good build up and cross. This was probably Brimsdown’s best effort and they were beginning to look like a side that had lost their way. Luke Howard making his debut for Town must have thought it was his lucky day as he was restricted to making only a few clearances from wayward shots.

Chris Nunn brought on Jamie Steele for Bobby Dance and then 5 minutes later introduced Dan Heron for Ryan Redford and completed his changes in quick fashion by bringing on Dave Daniels for Paul Garrett. These substitutions paid off when a positive build up saw Daniels pass to Heron who coolly shot home Towns second goal of the day on 85 minutes with his right foot. Four minutes later and Waders could have been three up but after a great run through the Brimsdown defence Jack Weeden’s shot just went wide. Just as the game was entering injury time Heron’s left footed shot was partially blocked by the Rovers keeper but the power of the shot took the ball over the line as defenders and keeper could only look on.

Overall the game was not the best spectacle or advert for the football but sometimes you have to get gritty to win a match and Town proved they can slog it out and get the win.

Report: Andy McDonnell

Biggleswade Town: Howard, Flack, Gatti, Morgan, Foulds, Hewitt, Weeden, Lamacraft, Redford, Dance, Garrett, Subs used: Heron, Daniels, Steele

Tuesday 26th August. '7 Up!'

Welwyn Garden City 0 - 7 BTFC

Expectations going into this game were mixed following a relatively low key start to the season.

From the start Waders took control of the game and the passing which had looked under par in previous matches started to flow early in the game. As the game progressed City began to look more fragile in defence and as early as the third minute the Waders were unlucky not to take the lead when a poor clearance ricocheted off Neil Morgan who could not quite guide the ball into the goal.

Welwyn GC managed to get the ball into our penalty area in the twelfth minute only to see Springham’s drop kick fly down the field to Jack Weeden who coolly slotted home the opening goal.

Four minutes later a run by Gatti down the left wing resulted in a pass to Bobby Dance on the left hand side of the penalty area, Dance moved across the area and a beautiful shot was perfectly directed just inside the post with Kevin Christou's finger tips unable to stop the ball entering his net. A minute later a Ryan Redford shot just went wide of goal, by this time the City defence and keeper were looking decidedly under pressure and the mistakes were coming more frequently.

In the 21st minute Waders won a corner on the left hand side. Paul Garrett curved the corner kick into the area and the ball beat a flapping Christou as he could do little more than witness the third Waders goal. Christou redeemed himself a little before half time by first blocking a Liam Foulds shot and then pushing a Bobby Dance effort wide.

Half time could not arrive quickly enough for City but shortly after the restart things became worse when Ryan Redford shot home from ten yards. Six minutes later Welwyn Garden City had a rare opportunity to score when they were awarded a free kick 25 yards out from the Waders goal. The resulting free kick was a disappointing effort which sailed over the crossbar and summed up City’s night.

Just before the hour the ball broke to Bobby Dance who coolly rounded Christou and nicely walked the ball into the goal for his second of the night.

With twenty minutes left Chris Nunn introduced Dan Heron, Jamie Steele and Dave Daniels who replaced Glen Lamacraft, Ryan Redford and Paul Garrett. With the game already beyond City it seemed more of an opportunity to let three players have a game rather than the need for fresh legs. However, the change proved fruitful as one minute later Dan Heron scored the sixth of the night. A few chances followed for the Waders but then on 90 minutes a corner was met by the head of Dan Heron who scored the seventh for the Waders and his second of the night.

The result beats last season’s biggest win of 6-0 over Biggleswade United and the previous seasons win of 7-1 over Sun Postal in a Floodlit Cup Fixture. On a night which was about goals it would be obvious to look at goal scorers for man of the match but despite the one sided nature of the match there was still work to be done in defence which was ably managed by the back four and Aaron Springham. A special mention should go to Daniel Flack who having moved into the right back position recently is really developing in the role adding some attacking facets to his obvious defending skills.

Report - Andy McDonnell

Biggleswade Town: Springham, Flack, Gatti, Morgan, Foulds, Hewitt, Weeden, Lamacraft, Redford, Dance, Garrett, Subs used: Heron, Flack, Steele

Saturday 23rd August. Vale Drags Down Town

BTFC 1 - 2 Aylesbury Vale

Waders started brightly enough with the visitors gaining confidence from breaking quickly. The enforced changes in goal kept Town sharp in defence with Daniel Flack moved from midfield to the right back position to good effect.

Peter Gatti was called into action early on when he foiled a Vale raid up front, then a Morgan clearance deep in his own box was cleared up front and Weedens resultant shot was well saved by Eddie Farmer in the Aylesbury goal.

On 20 minutes Vale had their best spell of pressure after a lob shot just cleared the bar and then a series of crosses tested the home defence. But minutes later a clearence found Flack who sped down the right and placed an excellent cross to Ryan Redford in the box, his inspired run and touch gave Dan Heron a half chance which he took with alacrity and Waders were one goal to the good.

Minutes later and Vale were in trouble again at the back after a melee brought the refs whistle to his lips and awarded a penalty to the home side. Heron stepped up hesitantly and the keeper guessed the right way from a tame shot. The 110 crowd groaned, but Town were getting the chances and Vale despite some pressure were not in danger of scoring although action followed at either end with the best chance carved out by Heron who was unlucky not to double his goal tally when a shot was blocked by the Vale keeper. 1-0 at half time then, but thoughts of the missed penalty haunted the eager crowd.

The second half started with chances going begging at either end and some good defending from Flack cutting out an Aylesbury attack. Waders then hit the woodork and the stanchion in a series of sweeping attacks, but everything they threw forward was thwarted. The body blow came on 71 minutes when Aylesbury were awarded a highly dubious penalty after an alleged hand ball in the Waders area and Niel Roberts stepped up and coolly shot into the bottom right hand corner.

 

Changes through substitutes followed with the game becoming very even in terms of possession. But then with 9 minutes left on the clock Vales Vinnie Lannone found himself through on goal and he buried his shot in from close range to put Aylesbury into a 2-1 lead. Waders were unable to find the finishing touch with shots just going wide of Aylesbury’s goal and the woodwork scraped twice.

At the final whistle Aylesbury were happy to secure their unbeaten start to the season and go second in the Premier Division table. For Waders, the ingredients are undoubtedly there, just the mix needs to be honed down, but this was not a bad performance overall although manager Chris Nunn will be ruing once again his teams missed chances.

Man of The Match - Daniel Flack

Biggleswade Town: North, Flack, Gatti, Morgan, Foulds, Hewitt, Weeden, Lamacraft, Redford, Heron, Garrett, Subs used: Dance, Bensaud, Steele

Sunday 17th August. FA Cup - Over & Out

Romford 3 - 0 BTFC

Town exited the FA Cup at the first hurdle for the second year running at the hands of an Essex Senior League team this weekend. With the journey to deepest Essex a breeze, the weather bright and sunny on arrival and the pitch looking the best it has at Aveley for some seasons, the scene was set for a good cup contest.

The high hopes of progression to face Leyton away in the next round were dented in the 7th minute when Romford's Ricky Mackin bundled the ball home past a fumbling Aaron Springham in the Waders goal. Just 10 miunutes later and the Romford lead was doubled when Mackin fired a speculative 40 yard lob that caught Springham stranded way out of his area. Waders had their chances though with Dan Heron somehow contriving not to score when through one on one and the woodwork being scraped prior to that.

Two horrendous offside decisions from the far side linesman deflated the visitors will still further and right on half time Paul Garrett had a magnificent shot saved brilliantly by the Romford reserve keeper. The half time talk from the fans was about wasted chances and zany decisions from the officials. Town had somehow managed to be the better footballing side in the first period to no avail, but that certainly didn't continue for the second period.

Romford came out determined to keep the advantage and tackled hard and fast with yellow cards abounding. The visitors midfield failed to control the game and the first half failings down the home sides attacking flanks was still unsure with the Romford diagonal ball continuing to cause problems. The killer blow indeed came from the right on the hour mark with good work from Manzi Mbala for the purists goal of the match.

There was no way back for the visitors with Romford stifling play effectively and in a workmanlike manner, despite being depleted to 10 men late on for a second yellow card offence.

The team now has a week to lick its wounds and ask some serious questions of itself after this poor performance.

Report - The Wader

Biggleswade Town FC:

Wednesday 13th August.

BTFC1 - 0 Hetford Town

At last the first competitive match played at The Carlsberg Stadium with 135 hardy souls braving the unseasonal and inclement weather. The early stages of this game saw little opportunity until a Ryan Redford shot was saved by the Hertford keeper. One minute later and Hertford Town conceded a free kick some 24 yards from their goal. The resultant free kick taken by Glen Lamacraft found the back of the Hertford net and in giving the Waders the lead Glen also created a piece of history by scoring the first competitive goal at the Carlsberg Stadium.

Hertford were then lucky not to see at least one player booked shortly after when two incidents occurring at the same time saw a free kick awarded against them as the only punishment.

Waders kept probing and Redford shot just wide of goal and with the tempo of the game rising and the late challenges increasing it was only a matter of time before someone was booked. Drapers foul on Lamacraft found his name first on the referees notebook. With seven minutes until the break Hertford made their first attack on the Biggleswade goal when Hunt headed over the bar from a corner. A couple of attacks at either end produced little and the first half came to an end with the hosts leading.

The second half started much the same as the first had ended with Redford shooting over the bar and Springham running out to breakdown a rare Hertford attack. Then on 62 minutes a controversial decision by the referee saw Dan Heron sent off for allegedly using and elbow on a Hertford player, in fairness most people missed the incident as the ball had gone and the referee needed a minute of conversation with his assistants before finally dismissing the player.

With half an hour left and down to ten men Biggleswade continued to dominate the remainder of the game and it would of been hard to tell that they were one man short with the possession they had. A couple of chances came their way including a close range effort from Garret that just went to the right of the Hertford goal.

Hertford had a couple of chances with a shot from Kilroy rising over the bar and two corners in close succession but with neither team able to finish in front of goal the game ended with a well earned win for the Waders.

Report - Andy McDonnell

Biggleswade Town: Springham, Daniels, Morgan, Gatti, Foulds, Flack, Weeden, Lamacraft, Heron, Redford, Garrett,

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Saturday 9th August. Harefield Utd 3 - 1 BTFC

Opening day fixtures do not come much harder than an away match at Harefield and the task became more difficult when Harefield’s Liam Hind found the top right hand corner from some 30 yards out in the seventh minute, his dipping and swerving shot leaving The Waders keeper static. This early set back spurred the visitors into action and the next 20 minutes saw a number of chances go unrewarded. A dropped ball in heavy rain by the Harefield keeper gave a brief hope but the attempt on goal was blocked. Shortly afterwards a wayward clearance was pounced on by Dan Heron but his shot clipped the bottom of the post and the woodwork was struck again shortly before half time was called.

The second half started brightly for Town and on 49 minutes the efforts were finally rewarded when Ryan Redford headed home the equaliser for his debut competitive goal for the club. Shortly afterwards the Harefield keeper pulled off an acrobatic save to stop the Waders taking what would have been a deserved lead at that stage. Against the run of play Harefield then found a second goal through substitute Luke Willis on 78 minutes. Town then made a couple of substitutions bringing Bobby Dance and Adam Bensaud into the action. On 81 minutes Harefield found the killer blow through an unfortunate slip by the advancing Neil Morgan which allowed Danny Buckle to round Springham in the Waders goal and slot home a third and the winning goal for Harefield. Chris Hewitt was introduced and his presence steadied the team but despite some last moment efforts the game was beyond them.

On a disappointing day mention should be made of Ryan Redford whose work rate and passion to win shone through, a well deserved goal and certainly man of the match for the Waders.

Report - Andy McDonnell

Biggleswade Town: Springham, Daniels, Morgan, Gatti, Foulds, Flack, Weeden, Lamacraft, Redford, Heron, Garrett, Subs used: Bensaud, Dance, Hewitt

25th October – Nine Men Town Wade On.

Biggleswade Town 1 – 0 Leverstock Green (league)

Waders climbed to 3rd in The Premier table on Saturday after this hard worked for win against Leverstock Green. This was only the visitors 2nd defeat of the league season and one could see why with both defences cancelling out some good approach play from both teams.

Leverstock had the better of the opening exchanges with badcock fumbling an early Parkinson cross and then Griggs contrived to shoot high when through on the Town goal.

It took 15 minutes for Towns forward line to break down the visitors stoic back four when Bobby Dance worked well on the right and his cross fell to Glen Lamacraft whose shot was saved, seconds earlier Dan Heron had a stab shot saved on the line. Heron again was in action when through on goal but his shot was too high to trouble Milner in the visitors goal.

Mark Websters 25th minte flying header brought some gasps from the main stand audience and then referee Trinder gave credence to a linsemans flag when Folds was clear for a shot. Offside? not according to a disgruntled Waders (see pic below) and the half finished with the Leverstock team involved in the most bizarre on-pitch argument amongst themselves.

But the visitors started the second period brightly with Cahill seeing a free kick punched away and parkinson seeing a shot sail high over Badcock's crossbar. Wardle then moved well on the left combining nicely with Cahill, but the resultant shot skimmed the bar in the visitors closest effort yet. A minute later though and it was Town who took the lead on 50 minutes.

A through ball found Heron whose run was ended in ungainly fashion by Hawes and Daniel Flack stepped up for the spot kick. Penalty's haven't been Waders forte this season and this was no different as Milner dived to his right to parry the firm kick, but Chris Hewitt was on hand (number 8 - see pic below) to pounce on the loose ball and carve out his 2nd goal in 5 years to give Town the lead.

Ryan Redford replaced Heron and the action continued in both goal areas with Cahill shooting wide and then Milner denying a nicely worked Reynolds header. Flacks corners were giving the visitors problems and now Beamish entered the fray for Leverstock and the seeming long throw specialist was giving hope to his increasingly frustrated team. Cooper and then Kilroy came off the bench for Waders, the latter making his debut to a loud cheer from the main stand.

A fast paced conclusion to the match seemed to boil over to referee Trinder who hadn't been shy on showing his bright Yellow card in this match, made all the more surprising in that both teams had played with a noteworthy clean spirit . But now as the match entered 6 minutes of stoppage time the referee saw fit to up the tempo of the card brandishing and first Reynolds (2nd Yellow) and then Folds (2nd Yellow) were dismissed from the field in what can only be described as moments of zealousness from the man with the never ending card supply. But the loss of the 2 big defenders were too late for Leverstock to capitalise on and it was The Waders who claimed all 3 points, albeit gratefully, at the final whistle.

Report: The Wader

BTFC: