Pitch and weather conditions contributed to Brentwood’s sluggish start against Bedford in this critical match.
Bedford adopted a 4-3-3 formation pushing high and forcing attacking play and early pressure on the Brentwood defence. This allowed Brentwood to make several break away attacks early in the half but the Bedford Keeper stayed strong and produced some solid saves. Holes started to appear behind the Bedford midfield and Brentwood capitalised again on a break and after some excellent one touch passing between Simon Rattenburry and Rob Cousins, they isolated the last defender and drawing the Keeper out, allowed Cousins to pass the ball into an empty goal.
Half Time 1-0.
Early into the second half Bedford were awarded a short corner which they calmly converted to make the score line level, 1-1. With the pressure mounting and Brentwood needing 3 points, they continued to press the Bedford midfield and defence. The Bedford keeper managed to pull save after save until half way through the second half. An aerial ball through to Simon Rattenbury who plucked the ball out the air at chest height and calmly slipped the ball through to the advancing Alex Henderson to deflect into the goal, 2-1. Soon after Cashel Gleeson was shown a yellow card for a stick offence, reducing Brentwood to10 men. Brentwood changed formation and held out defensively until Gleeson came back on to the pitch. One of the Bedford forwards was show a red card for foul play 5 minutes before full time and with 10 men were unable to force any further pressure. As the final whistle blew Brentwood secured the victory and a vital 3 points.
Next weekend sees the final game of the Season at home against Broxbourne who trail by 1 point and placed 3rd in the league.
With 1 point between 1st and 3rd position, promotion and League Championship are wide open.
Come on the Eagles !!