For the neutral spectators and visiting supporters this top of the table clash had everything from flying tackles to red cards and plenty of goals. But for us it was a major disappointment particularly in the second half when we conceded 3 goals when our opponents were down to 10 men.

The game itself was scrappy and very competitive in the first half which was perhaps to be expected when the team in first place (Biggleswade) plays the team immediately behind them (us). There was little to choose between the sides but out opponents drew first blood in the 22nd minute when defender Mason Watkins-Clark headed in a free kick. From out point of view it was a very soft goal because the header wasn’t powerful and the ball seemed to bounce into the net in slow motion. Score 0-1.

We did well to come back at our opponents and we grabbed an equaliser 14 minutes later when George Carbery latched onto a defensive error and was hauled down by the keeper. Carbs kept his cool to slot home the penalty to level the scores. Score 1-1.

The game was getting a bit fractious and culminated in Biggleswade No. 10 Jaiden Irish getting a straight red card in the 38th minute for seemingly lunging in with two feet. HT Score 1-1.

Playing down the slope in the second half against 10 men it seemed that the odds would be in our favour but ironically it probably suited our opponents more as they got players behind the ball and relied on the pace of their centre forward Coree Wilson to make quick breaks. The tactic paid off within 4 minutes of the restart when Wilson used his pace and power to get into a good position then fire off a powerful shot that hit the far post and in. Score 1-2.

We again found ourselves a goal behind and again it was skipper George Carbery who brought us back into the game in the 69th minute from probably the best move of the game. Harry Shepherd started the move with a sweeping pass out to Lee Stobbs on the right and his inch perfect cross was slotted home from close quarters by Carbs. Score 2-2.

The visitors defended well and took every opportunity to get forward quickly. It was from a quick break in the 76th that Jesus Mendoza put his side ahead again although we had chances to clear the danger. Score 2-3.

Two minutes later our task was made harder when Tommy Smith was given a red card even though he seemed to connect with the ball. It seemed a harsh decision especially when it also led to Jamie Ovington being sin binned presumably for decent. Our fate was finally sealed in the 83rd minute when Mendoza scored his second goal to make the final score 4-2 to Biggleswade.

We can have no complaint about the result for our guests fully deserved to win on their second half performance. This defeat is not the end of the world, we haven’t become a poor side over night we just need to get back to winning ways. We were without 6 key players for this game and hopefully we may get some back for the 2 tough fixtures we have coming up with a trip to MK Irish on Tuesday followed by Real Bedford visiting Tring on Saturday.

Team: Eric Negraru, Harrison Cornick, Jamie Ovington, Tommy Smith, Harry Seabrook, Greg Deer (Lenny Armstrong 85), Harry Shepherd, Jack Harvey (Luke Peerless 85), Georg Carbery (Capt), Lee Stobbs, Harry Jones. Subs not used: Adam Sawyer, Mason Barnes, Charlie Beeton.

Goals:

TA: George Carbery (Pen 36, 69)

BU: Mason Watkins-Clark (22), Coree Wilson (49), Jesus Mendoza (76, 83)

Crowd: 120