FORMER Bedford School batsmen Alastair Cook just missed out on a place in the history books as England completed a clean sweep in their one day series with Pakistan on Saturday.

After back-to-back hundreds in the opening two matches, another century at the weekend would have seen Cook become the first English batsmen to achieve the feat of three successive tons.

But the 50-overs captain fell 20 runs short, as he was dismissed for 80 after putting on 170 for the first wicket with Kevin Pietersen, who went on to notch a century of his own as England romped home by nine wickets.

Cook said: “To score two hundreds in a row doesn’t happen very often in any form of cricket.

“But you’re not quite so bothered about your own batting as captain because you’re thinking about the team.

“We’ve been saying all along you don’t become bad players overnight. It’s important when you do get a little bit of a run you cash in. I’m delighted I managed to do that.”

Cook was dismissed for just four on Tuesday when England won by six wickets to complete the 4-0 hammering.

The batsman will now stay with the squad for the Twenty20 internationals.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

UCL Premier Division: Wellingborough Town v Cogenhoe United.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Premier Division: Banbury v Chippenham; Bashley v Leamington; Bedford Town v Swindon Supermarine; Cambridge City v AFC Totton; Cirencester v Barwell; Frome v St Albans City; Hitchin Town v Brackley; Oxford City v Arlesey Town; Redditch v Chesham; Weymouth v Stourbridge.

Division One Central: AFC Hayes v St Neots; Ashford Town v Biggleswade Town; Barton Rovers v Chalfont St Peter; Beaconsfield v Bedworth; Burnham v Aylesbury; Daventry Town v Slough; Leighton Town v Marlow; North Greenford United v Fleet Town; Northwood v Chertsey; Rugby Town v Uxbridge; Woodford United v Bedfont Town.

COUNTY CUP COMPETITIONS

Beds FA Intermediate Cup – Semi-Final: St Josephs v Crawley Green Res.

MOLTEN SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Premier Division: AFC Dunstable v Hillingdon Borough; Colney Heath v Aylesbury United; Harefield United v Hadley; Hatfield Town v Haringey Borough; Hertford Town v Dunstable Town; Holmer Green v Hanwell Town; London Tigers v Biggleswade United (at Hillingdon Borough); Oxhey Jets v St Margaretsbury; Royston Town v Broxbourne Borough; Stotfold v Berkhamsted; Tring Athletic v Leverstock Green.

Division One: Amersham v Harpenden; Ampthill Town v Cockfosters; Bedford v Buckingham Athletic; Chesham Utd Res v Tokyngton Manor; Cranfield United v Hoddesdon Town; Kentish Town v London Colney; Kings Langley v Wodson Park; London Lions v Crawley Green; New Bradwell St Peter v Sun Postal Sports; Stony Stratford Town v Langford.

Reserve Division One: Cockfosters v Hadley; Hatfield v Royston; Hoddesdon v Stotfold; Langford v Holmer Green; London Colney v Risborough Rangers; St Margaretsbury v Wodson Park.

CHROMASPORTS & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Blackstones v St Ives Town; Cogenhoe v Deeping Rangers; Desborough v Sleaford; Irchester v Yaxley; Kings Lynn v Daventry; Long Buckby v Holbeach; Newport Pagnell v N’pton Spencer; Peterborough NS v Thrapston; Stewarts & Lloyds v Boston Town.

Division One: Bourne v Harborough; Buckingham Town v Olney; Bugbrooke v Rothwell; Burton PW v Huntingdon; ON Chenecks v Raunds; Rothwell Corinthians v Sileby Rangers; Rushden & Higham United v Wootton Blue Cross; Wellingborough Whitworth v Potton United.

BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Premier Division: AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College v Flitwick Town; Bedford Hatters v Dunton; Blunham v Woburn; Sharnbrook v Shefford Town & Campton; Wilshamstead v Caldecote; Arlesey Town Res v Oakley Sports.

Division One: Caldecote Res v Meltis Albion; FC Meppershall v Lea Sports PSG; Kings AFC v Luton Boys; Marston Shelton Rovers v Ickwell & Old Warden; Sandy v Lidlington United Sports.

Division Two: AFC Turvey v Shefford Town & Campton Res; Bromham United v Elstow Abbey; Co-op Sports v Clifton; M&DH Oakley v Potton United Res; Marabese Ceramics v Pavenham; Queens Park Crescents v Stopsley Park.

Division Three: Dunton Res v Goldington; Flitwick Town Res v Eastcotts AFC; Kempston Hammers Sports v Wilshamstead Res; Potton Town v Riseley Sports; Renhold Village v Cranfield United Res; Sundon Park Rangers Colts v Stevington; Westoning Res v Royal Oak.

Division Four: Bedford Panthers v Sandy Res; Caldecote A v Stewartby Village; Clifton Res v Dinamo Flitwick; Goldington Hammers v Bedford Park Rangers; Ickwell & Old Warden Res v Thurleigh; Marsh Leys v Wootton Village; Shefford Town & Campton A v Kempston Athletic.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Southern League Premier Division: Evesham United v Hemel Hempstead.

MICHAEL R PETERS BEDFORD SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup – Semi-Final: Mile Road Casuals v Gardeners Arms Biggleswade.

Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup – Quarter-Final: Bumble Bee Flitwick v M&DH Clapham Sunday.

Premier Division: Caldecote Young Boys v v Atletico Europa; Constant & Co Athletic v Queensmen; Esquires v Lawson Park Rangers; Meltis Mexicans v Haynes.

First Division: Dunton v Sharnbrook; Kempston Hammers v 21st GNG Tigers; Stewartby v Harrold & Carlton.

Second Division: Cranfield United v Renhold; Houghton Conquest v Marston Reds; Wootton Wanderers v Eagle Heating.

Third Division: Bedford Allsters v Dunton Sunday Res; Bedford Panthers v Wells Stars; Flitwick Eagles Sunday v Old Boys; Grafton Celtics v Meltis Rangers.

Fourth Division: Bellini’s v BMC United; Fox & Hounds Clapham v Bedford Albion; Oakley Res v Santaniello’s; Rose Biggleswade v Bird in Hand L/Stondon; Shillington Pirates v Bedford Cupids.

Fifth Division: AFC Kempston Town & BC v Sir William Peel Sandy; Oakley Wanderers v AF Mato: Westoning Gijon & RC v Alfa Oakley.

Under 21 Division: Barton Rovers v Brickhill Wanderers B; Brickhill Wanderers A v Leighton Corinthian Seniors; Hitchin Town v Luton Central; Watling Youth v Shefford Saints.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Southern League Premier Division: Banbury v Cambridge City; Cirencester v Swindon Supermarine; Stourbridge v Bedford Town.

Southern League Central Division: Biggleswade Town v Rugby; Daventry Town v St Neots; Marlow v Woodford; Uxbridge v Ashford Town (Middx).

SSML Premier Division: Tring Athletic v Royston Town,.

SSML Division One: Buckingham Athletic v Kentish Town; Cockfosters v Cranfield United; Harpenden Town v Langford; Hoddesdon Town v Ampthill Town; Kings Langley v St Albans City Res; New Bradwell St Peter v Wodson Park.

SSML Reserve Division One: St Margaretsbury v Hoddesdon; Stotfold Reserves v The 61 FC (Luton).

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29

Southern League Central Division: Bedfont Town v Northwood.

SSML Premier Division: Hadley v Aylesbury United.

SSML Division One: Chesham Utd Res v Bedford; Welwyn GC v Stony Stratford.

SSML Reserve Division One: Oxhey Jets v Wodson Park.

UCL Premier Division: Daventry United v Peterborough Northern Star.

Preview for Saturday 25th February 2012.

Action this weekend in The Premier Division supported by Sportsform section takes the new league leaders Shefford Town & Campton on the road to Lodge Road to be hosted by Sharnbrook, the home side having been beaten just three times on home soil all season should provide a stern test for the travelling Town who seek their fourth away win on the bounce.

Whilst second place Caldecote also hit the road to Jubilee Playing Fields to face Wilshamstead, the hosts looking for their third home win on the bounce and revenge for their Britannia Cup exit at the hands of Caldecote on New Years Eve at the same venue.

For third place Bedford Hatters, its home action at Miller Road against second from bottom of the table Dunton who have won just once on the road all season. Whilst bottom of the table Woburn also seek just their second away win of the season when they journey to Moggerhanger Playing Fields to face Blunham.

A third club also looking for just their second away win of the season are Flitwick Town, for them its a trip to Hillgrounds to be hosted by an AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College side that will be looking to end a sequence of three straight home defeats.

The final action in this division coming at The Armadillo Stadium, where Arlesey Town Reserves seek out their first home win since beating Flitwick Town back in mid-October when paid a visit by an Oakley Sports side who look to end a two game losing run.

In Division One the big game of the day takes place at Marston Playing Fields,the venue at which the league leaders Marston Shelton Rovers still unbeaten on home soil this season face fellow championship contenders Ickwell & Old Warden.

The visitors in fourth place trailing them by just five points but with three games in hand. Whilst for second place Lidlington United Sports, now on an 11 game unbeaten run its a tough looking away game at Bedford Road Recreation Ground against a Sandy side that is still very much in the promotion mix themselves.

Over at King George VI Playing Fields, Kings AFC will face no easy task collecting the full three points when visited by Luton Boys. A comment that also applies to FC Meppershall, when in Mowsbury Park they are visited by Lea Sports PSG who are now undefeated in their last five away outings.

The final action in this division comes at Harvey Close, where Caldecote Reserves, beaten just once on home soil all season, will start the firm favourites to collect the full three points when visited by bottom of the table Meltis Albion.

Away from the league, its Bedfordshire FA Intermediate Cup semi-final day and for Bedford Sports Athletic that means a home tie at Grange Road against Luton District & South Beds League outfit Real RNE.

In Division Two the championship battle already looks down to a two way fight between Elstow Abbey and AFC Turvey.This weekend, league leaders Elstow Abbey hit the road looking to retain their seasons unbeaten record against Bromham United at Bromham Playing Fields.

However, the hosts are now unbeaten in their last seven home starts and will be no easy pushovers.Whilst for AFC Turvey, its home action at Stonefield’s against Shefford Town & Campton Reserves where you would expect them to collect the full three points.

Over at Solway Road North, hosts Co-op Sports having been beaten just twice on home soil this season will fancy their chance of collecting the spoils when visited by a Clifton side that has won just once in their last seven outings. A comment that also applies to Queens Park Crescents when they go into home action in Mowsbury Park against Stopsley Park whose only away success of the season has come at lowly Clifton and Great Barford

Other action sees M & DH Oakley seek revenge over Potton United Reserves for their Jubilee Cup exit at the same Oakley Playing Fields less than a month ago. Whilst at Shuttleworth College, Marabese Ceramics seek just their third home win of the season when visited by a Pavenham side looking to return to winning ways on the road for the first time since winning at Stopsley Park back in mid-October.

In division three, the venue for the big game of the day is Renhold Playing Fields where second place Renhold Village play hosts to league leaders Cranfield United Reserves.The hosts looking to retain their seasons perfect home record against a United side who are now unbeaten in their last 10 trips away from their Crawley Road base.

For third place Goldington, despite them not winning any of their last three away outings you would expect that to change when they head for a Horseshoes Close meeting against second from bottom of the table Dunton Reserves who have won just once on home soil this season. Yet for fellow promotion hopefuls Stevington, with just one away win from their last four journey’s on the road the task looks much harder when they visit Wrest Park for a meeting with Sundon Park Rangers Colts.

Also still very much in the promotion mix are Riseley Sports, for them its a trip to Mill Lane to face hosts Potton Town who are now unbeaten in their last five home starts. Whilst down at the other end of the standings, bottom of the table Flitwick Town Reserves host Eastcotts AFC at Steppingley Road.

The Town having lost their last four home outings and the visitors their last four away outings.

Over at Cutler Hammer, hosts Kempston Hammers Sports look to continue their recent revival when called upon by a Wilshamstead Reserves side that has been beaten just twice in their last 11 outings.Whilst at Greenfield Road, Westoning Reserves seek to end a sequence of three straight home defeats when visited by a Royal Oak Kempston side that has won four of its last five away outings.

Division Four action sees league leaders Bedford Park Rangers in away action at Mowsbury Park against a Goldington Hammers side that has lost its last four home outings.Whilst the game of the day in this division comes on The Green between two of the live promotion hopefuls when hosts Ickwell & Old Warden take on Thurleigh.

Another promotion hopeful are Marsh Leys,for them its the quest of their fifth home win on the bounce when visited by near neighbours Wootton Village.

Over at The Bedford Hockey Centre, Bedford Panthers host a Sandy Reserves side that has been beaten just twice on the road this season and at Harvey Close, Caldecote A beaten just twice on home soil this season receive a visit from a Stewartby Village side that are now unbeaten in their last six away outings.

Other action comes at Whiston Crescent, the venue where Clifton Reserves look for their third home win on the bounce against Dinamo Flitwick and at Digswell Playing Fields, where Shefford Town & Campton A look to end a three game losing home run at the expense of the visiting Kempston Athletic.

]]> 1.3550695 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:55:23 +0000 http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/county_league_win_beds_fa_s_centenary_cup_1_3550689

Wednesday’s night action saw the Bedfordshire County Football League retain their hold on the Bedfordshire FA Inter-League Centenary Cup when under the management team of Caldecote brothers, Neil and Adrian Mapletoft, they eased to a 6-0 victory over the South Beds Sunday Football League.

Ahead after just three minutes when following an inter-exchange between Adam Larsen and Andrew Hayday, Mark Franklin had the simple task of netting from just six yards out, that lead was doubled in the 21st minute from the penalty spot by Larsen after Paul Jones had been dragged down when looking certain to score by South Beds goalkeeper Lee Slocombe.

Jones however was to get on the scoresheet seven minutes later when set free by Larsen to make it 3-0 and just 60 seconds later it was game over when Jones became the provider for goal number four netted by Alex Woolston.

It was now all one way traffic and but for two misses in front of goal by Hayday and a Matt Le-Dell effort coming back off the crossbar it could have been 7-0 by half time.

The 80-plus crowd were to have to wait until the 66th minute before substitute Kai Griffiths-Shilton made it 5-0, with the rout being concluded by a second goal from Jones just four minutes from time.

Beds FA Sunday Cup – Qtr-Finals Caldecote Young Boys 4

AC Sportsman & Ravensborough 4 aet (Caldecote won 3-2 on penalties)

CALDECOTE Young Boys won through to the County Cup semi-finals following a penalty shoot-out win against AC Sportsmen. They started well and took the lead on 15 minutes when Neil Giles’ through ball for Tom Cookman saw him find the net.

The Sportsman equalised from a 21st minute corner but with half time approaching, a Sportsman corner was turned into his own net by a Caldecote player for 2-1.

Young Boys started the new well and five minutes in Jack Boyd levelled while eight minutes later from Giles’ corner, the ball ricochetted from AC’s keeper to Paul Gower who headed in for 3-2. But they then conceded a soft penalty which was converted. Caldecote keeper Nathan Buckland made a fine save to keep the game at 3-3 to ensure extra time.

Five minutes into the first period, AC Sportsman went 4-3 up while it was Cookman who levelled with hios second of the game to send it into a penalty shoot-out.

Sportsman netted their first but the Young Boys missed and while it became 2-0 and Caldecote on their way out, it became 2-2 before match of the Buckland slammed home his kick for 3-2 before saving the Sportsman’s spot kick to ensure his side reached the last four.

Caldecote Young Boys: Buckland, Haddow, Webb, Robinson, Jordan, Giles, Harris, Gower, K Shilton, Boyd, Cookman. Subs: Hall, C Shilton, Wallace, Bilcock.

SUNDAY football resumed at the weekend after an imposed two week lay-off, although in two of the three Beds FA Sunday Cup quarter-final ties, two Bedford League sides went out.

Oakley travelled to St Josephs where they suffered a 3-0 reverse while Esquires were humbled 5-1 at home by FC Leighton Orient leaving Caldecote Young Boys to carry the torch after their shoot-out win – see above report.

It was a bleak picture in the Beds FA Sunday Junior Cup where FC Houghton beat Dunton Sunday 3-1 and Co-op Sports eliminated 21st GNG Tigers by the only goal of the game in Bedford Park.

M&DH Clapham came up against St Joseph’s Reserve team in the Beds FA Lower Junior Cup and lost at home 2-0 although Shillington Pirates went through to the semis after beating Goldington Rangers from the same division 7-1.

It was three wins out of three in the Beds FA Centenary Cup. Westoning Gijon RC disposed of Beechwood 4-2 at home, whilst AF Mato got it right in the end beating Barrels Magnum Luton 5-2 after extra time. Brickhill U21s ‘A’ got up early to nick the tie from Houghton Park Rangers 3-2 away from home.

On the domestic scene, Atletico Europa took the opportunity to overtake Meltis Mexicans near the top of the Premier Division by beating leaders London Road Supreme 4-0 at the Bedfordshire University. Atletico were the better side in the first half competing quickly and doggedly for the ball not letting London Road settle into their game.

On 20 minutes, Bayo Shabi came up from the back and cracked a screamer into Supreme’s net. The rest of the half was nip and tuck with London Road having possible chances of their own but it ended 4-1 to Atletico who were good value for their victory and they are now in second spot behind London Road with four games in hand.

The First Division had only two games. Newtown Rangers beat fellow strugglers Harrold & Carlton 2-1 to forge a gap of two points,and to move away from the bottom two.

Sharnbrook Casuals have won the division after beating Old Hastingsburians 3-1, and this must be the earliest any team has won a divisional title.

It was busier in Division Two where leaders Wootton Wanderers have made it difficult for Renhold to get into the top two places by the end of the season after beating them 3-2. Eagle Heating have crept up behind Renhold and also have a two game advantage after beating Marston Reds 4-1, who are currently languishing in bottom spot.

Cranfield and Houghton Conquest shared the points in a 1-1 draw while Bumble Bee Flitwick got two valuable points off Caldecote Reserves after a 5-0 victory which gives the Bees a chance to get out of relegation trouble.

There were a lot of goals in Division Three in which leaders Grafton Celtics came a cropper being after losing 4-0 at home to Bedford Allsters. Celtics remain top as second placed M&DH Clapham were playing in the County Cup. There was a foretaste of this weekend’s Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup semi-final when Mile Road Casuals played Gardeners Arms Biggleswade. Gardeners won away from home 5-2 so it should be an interesting encounter on the same pitch.

There were ten goals Reserves when Flitwick Eagles came to call and lashed eight of them into the home net, Dunton managing two in return. Bedford Panthers are not out of the title race just yet after their 2-1 win against Old Boys. Panthers are third and could still figure.

There were more goals in Division Four with Fox & Hounds Clapham scoring nine at bottom club BMC, who scored three in reply. Bedford Cupids then drilled seven at home to Bellini’s who scored just one. The Cupids are now top of the division just ahead of Rose Biggleswade who won their game away at Santaniello’s 2-1. Bedford Albion have crept away from the bottom two places after their 3-2 win over Oakley Reserves.

In Division Five, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College obviously got a lot out of their extended holiday when they came back this week to gain only their second victory in the league with Alfa Oakley were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline against Kempston who have now hauled themselves off bottom place.

Sir William Peel’s quest for a top finish was dented when they could only draw 1-1 against Oakley Wanderers.

In the Under 21 Division, Luton Central play host to Leighton Corinthian Seniors who won 3-2. Watling Youth lost 6-2 to Barton Rovers at Leagrave Park.

There are two league cup games on Sunday plus a host of league matches in all divisions week (see the fixtures page).

Clive Milton

l The Michael R Peters Bedford & District Sunday League is ready to accept applications from any new clubs wish wish to join them for the 2012/13 season.

For more details, please contact General Secretary Russ Maddox on 01234 404886 or email russmar@ntlworld.com

ANGRY Hatters manager Gary Brabin couldn’t hide his frustration as Barrow battered Luton into submission, winning 1-0 at Holker Street on Tuesday night, writes Mark Wood.

A wet and windy night made for dreadful conditions, but the disappointed Town boss refused to make excuses as his team failed to produce the goods on the night.

He said: “I’m very, very, very disappointed.

“I’ve said to the lads we should be coming away from here disappointed not only with the performance and at worst a 0-0.

“Coming in I’m disappointed not to have done enough to have won the game.

“But then to concede the goal and lose the game, I can’t put into words how I feel.

“I’m still feeling very angry. I’ve glanced over to the supporters that have travelled all the way up here as well and I feel sorry for them having come to witness that.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, the conditions don’t help.

“They are very direct, put us under a lot of pressure but we’ve got to be big enough to cope with that.

“I just don’t think we did enough to take the game to them.

“I said once they won the toss I knew the wind would be stronger second half and we had to take advantage of that first half and I don’t think we did.

“We played at a tempo which is well below what we expect.

“And, like I said, second half the wind has got up.

“They are very direct and that’s the way they play and we’ve got to be better to cope with that and we haven’t.”

It was a similar story to the game at Southport last month, where the Hatters again failed to make the most of the conditions when they were in their favour in the first half, as they drew 3-3.

Brabin continued: “I don’t want to us excuses, but both this game and the Southport game the wind built up really strong.

“Certainly the Southport game we couldn’t get out of our box and that was almost the case here.

“Like I said we’ve got to have a little bit more about us to cope with that, that’s why I’m disappointed because we haven’t.”

Not even tweaking the formation in the second half helped as Brabin continued: “We knew Barrow would play five in midfield and we knew the way they play.

“In the second half it was more of a 4-4-2. Just to get Fleets (Stuart Fleetwood) a bit more central and it never worked.”

On what he said to the players after the final whistle and where the Hatters go from here – with the top two of Fleetwood and Wrexham both winning – Brabin added: “I think everyone took it on the chin.

“I told everyone what I thought, we said a lot of it at half time. It’s easy to find excuses and I don’t want to hide behind excuses. I told them what I thought in my anger and we’ve got to move on.

“We’ve just got to get back to basics and certainly improve from this performance.

“We are always playing catch-up, we certainly won’t be giving up. We know we’ve made it even harder now with the disappointing, not only performance, but result.

“But we’ve just got to keep going. We’ve got to find that form, we’ve got to get stronger.

“We’ve certainly got to be better than that if we’ve got any aspirations of getting promoted.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

BEADLOW Manor Golf Club has a small, friendly and very successful junior section which offers an extensive selection of competitive activities at the club for its youngest members.

Beadlow is always looking to encourage more juniors to join and with this in mind, the club is planning a Junior Open Day on Saturday, March 17. It will be open to both girls and boys from ages eight to 18, with or without a handicap. The idea is to encourage junior golfers to come along and see what the club has to offer for all juniors, regardless of their current playing standard.

The club’s resident N1 golf professional Ben Storey will host some free coaching sessions to any juniors who want to attend, the first being at 11.30am and the second starting at 2.30pm. There will also be discount vouchers for non-members to play the Baron or the Baroness course until the end of May, and discounts on selected golf equipment, in the well stocked GOLFX shop, based at the club.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in going along, please contact Beadlow’s Junior Organiser Gary Boyle on either 07787 935992 or at brendabyl@yahoo.co.uk so that he can register your attendance or to offer more information on the open day or the junior section in general.

Mark Tyler: 6 – Largely untested and no chance with the goal.

Greg Taylor: 7 – (pictured) Energetic running and battling spirit meant he saw most of the ball.

Keith Keane: 6 – Great to see him return and fitted in seamlessly at right-back.

George Pilkington: 6 – Coped well with the Barrow barrage without ever dominating.

Alex Lawless: 6 – Harried by the opposition which, coupled with the poor weather, meant his composure counted for little.

Craig McAllister: 6 – Made his mark in the first half, but desperately needs a goal and could have had a couple.

Stuart Fleetwood: 6 – Looked quick and threatening but provided more service than he received.

Aaron O’Connor: 6 – Tireless runner but should have put Town ahead with a close-range header.

Jake Howells: 6 – Not as prominent in a midfield that was at times redundant.

Andre Boucaud: 6 – In the thick of the action but couldn’t unlock the solid Bluebirds.

Janos Kovacs: 6 – Put under pressure by Barrow’s direct approach and harshly booked for an ‘elbow’.

Adam Watkins (sub): 5 – Struggled to get into a game where the midfield was bypassed.

John Paul Kissock (sub): 5.5 – Tried to carry the ball, in the thick of the action and had Town’s only real second half effort.

Ratings by Mark Wood

]]> 1.3549069 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:06:27 +0000 http://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/much_needed_away_win_is_rae_of_light_for_blues_1_3540846

CAPTAIN Alex Rae felt Bedford’s 24-15 win over Moseley on Saturday was vital in order to build momentum towards the play-offs, writes James Heneghan.

On an horrific afternoon, Bedford produced a strong display to claim the five points and register their first away win since November.

Lock Rae, who skippered the side in the absence of James Pritchard, was thrilled to get the bonus-points victory.

He said: “We’re obviously very pleased to get the victory because it’s a real tough, open place to come so to get five points is just what we wanted and we’re extremely happy with that.

“We still tried to play our rugby and go through the phases and I think we scored some nice tries.”

Torrential rain combined with a howling wind made handling tough, but the Blues adjusted well to the conditions and were worthy winners.

Rae continued: “The conditions did make it very hard, especially in the second half against the wind, but we’re just really pleased to get the five points because we put in a lot of effort today.”

Luke Baldwin scored twice and Darren Fox and Gregor Gillanders also touched down to give Blues an important bonus-point victory after a solid display.

Despite the win, Rae and his side won’t be completely happy with their performance after they twice conceded a try straight after scoring, with Rae saying: “I’m sure Mike Rayer will have a few things to say about it when we’re training on Monday.

“But we just switched off and that’s something we need to look at and talk about because we can’t keep letting it happen.”

Bedford’s away record would have been a concern before the win over Moseley – having lost four on the bounce – but Rae feels this win will help change that.

He added: “To be honest I wasn’t aware until before the game when someone said we’ve lost four on the road so it was important to get the win, as Mike said before the game.

“We wanted to build some momentum before the play-offs and winning today helped us do that.”

BLUES: Young Bedford Blues winger Zakk Scorer is verging on England honours after he attended an England U16 Training Camp at the weekend.

The 16-year-old Bedford Modern School student was one of 104 boys selected for the training camp at Stowe School after he was also called up for the Midlands U16 squad.

His mum Julie said: “Zakk has had quite a journey and has a great story to tell from him swapping from football to rugby only three seasons ago and he has made a fantastic achievement to have progressed so far in such a short space of time being a relatively new rugby player. Zakk’s dad, Lee Scorer, was the Bedford Town Youth football manager for a few years and coached Zakk to U13s.

“He was their top goalscorer the season that he left to pursue his career in rugby. His dad was torn and decided to stop managing so that he could support Zakk in his new-found passion for rugby three years ago.

“Zakk was still making his decision over football v rugby when Bedford Junior Blues coach Chris Wright invited him to a rugby tour in Nottingham.

“While Zakk was there he was spotted by a Northampton Saints scout and joined their Academy the following week and has never looked back, the rest as they say is history, so it was obviously his fate and destiny! He was also BMS’s top try scorer last and this season.”

“He and some other Beds boys have had quite an exciting rugby fast-track journey over the last few months and have progressed through East Midlands trials to Midlands trials and are now attending the England U16 rugby training camp this weekend from February 16 to 18.”

Beds FA Sunday Cup – Qtr-Finals Caldecote Young Boys 4

AC Sportsman & Ravensborough 4 aet (Caldecote won 3-2 on penalties)

CALDECOTE Young Boys won through to the County Cup semi-finals following a penalty shoot-out win against AC Sportsmen. They started well and took the lead on 15 minutes when Neil Giles’ through ball for Tom Cookman saw him find the net.

The Sportsman equalised from a 21st minute corner but with half time approaching, a Sportsman corner was turned into his own net by a Caldecote player for 2-1.

Young Boys started the new well and five minutes in Jack Boyd levelled while eight minutes later from Giles’ corner, the ball ricochetted from AC’s keeper to Paul Gower who headed in for 3-2. But they then conceded a soft penalty which was converted. Caldecote keeper Nathan Buckland made a fine save to keep the game at 3-3 to ensure extra time.

Five minutes into the first period, AC Sportsman went 4-3 up while it was Cookman who levelled with his second of the game to send it into a penalty shoot-out.

Sportsman netted their first but the Young Boys missed and while it became 2-0 and Caldecote on their way out, it became 2-2 before match of the Buckland slammed home his kick for 3-2 before saving the Sportsman’s spot kick to ensure his side reached the last four.

Caldecote Young Boys: Buckland, Haddow, Webb, Robinson, Jordan, Giles, Harris, Gower, K Shilton, Boyd, Cookman. Subs: Hall, C Shilton, Wallace, Bilcock.

SUNDAY football resumed at the weekend after an imposed two week lay-off, although in two of the three Beds FA Sunday Cup quarter-final ties, two Bedford League sides went out.

Oakley travelled to St Josephs where they suffered a 3-0 reverse while Esquires were humbled 5-1 at home by FC Leighton Orient leaving Caldecote Young Boys to carry the torch after their shoot-out win – see above report.

It was a bleak picture in the Beds FA Sunday Junior Cup where FC Houghton beat Dunton Sunday 3-1 and Co-op Sports eliminated 21st GNG Tigers by the only goal of the game in Bedford Park.

M&DH Clapham came up against St Joseph’s Reserve team in the Beds FA Lower Junior Cup and lost at home 2-0 although Shillington Pirates went through to the semis after beating Goldington Rangers from the same division 7-1.

It was three wins out of three in the Beds FA Centenary Cup. Westoning Gijon RC disposed of Beechwood 4-2 at home, whilst AF Mato got it right in the end beating Barrels Magnum Luton 5-2 after extra time. Brickhill U21s ‘A’ got up early to nick the tie from Houghton Park Rangers 3-2 away from home.

On the domestic scene, Atletico Europa took the opportunity to overtake Meltis Mexicans near the top of the Premier Division by beating leaders London Road Supreme 4-0 at the Bedfordshire University. Atletico were the better side in the first half competing quickly and doggedly for the ball not letting London Road settle into their game.

On 20 minutes, Bayo Shabi came up from the back and cracked a screamer into Supreme’s net. The rest of the half was nip and tuck with London Road having possible chances of their own but it ended 4-1 to Atletico who were good value for their victory and they are now in second spot behind London Road with four games in hand.

The First Division had only two games. Newtown Rangers beat fellow strugglers Harrold & Carlton 2-1 to forge a gap of two points,and to move away from the bottom two.

Sharnbrook Casuals have won the division after beating Old Hastingsburians 3-1, and this must be the earliest any team has won a divisional title.

It was busier in Division Two where leaders Wootton Wanderers have made it difficult for Renhold to get into the top two places by the end of the season after beating them 3-2. Eagle Heating have crept up behind Renhold and also have a two game advantage after beating Marston Reds 4-1, who are currently languishing in bottom spot.

Cranfield and Houghton Conquest shared the points in a 1-1 draw while Bumble Bee Flitwick got two valuable points off Caldecote Reserves after a 5-0 victory which gives the Bees a chance to get out of relegation trouble.

There were a lot of goals in Division Three in which leaders Grafton Celtics came a cropper being after losing 4-0 at home to Bedford Allsters. Celtics remain top as second placed M&DH Clapham were playing in the County Cup. There was a foretaste of this weekend’s Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup semi-final when Mile Road Casuals played Gardeners Arms Biggleswade. Gardeners won away from home 5-2 so it should be an interesting encounter on the same pitch.

There were ten goals Reserves when Flitwick Eagles came to call and lashed eight of them into the home net, Dunton managing two in return. Bedford Panthers are not out of the title race just yet after their 2-1 win against Old Boys. Panthers are third and could still figure.

There were more goals in Division Four with Fox & Hounds Clapham scoring nine at bottom club BMC, who scored three in reply. Bedford Cupids then drilled seven at home to Bellini’s who scored just one. The Cupids are now top of the division just ahead of Rose Biggleswade who won their game away at Santaniello’s 2-1. Bedford Albion have crept away from the bottom two places after their 3-2 win over Oakley Reserves.

In Division Five, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College obviously got a lot out of their extended holiday when they came back this week to gain only their second victory in the league with Alfa Oakley were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline against Kempston who have now hauled themselves off bottom place.

Sir William Peel’s quest for a top finish was dented when they could only draw 1-1 against Oakley Wanderers.

In the Under 21 Division, Luton Central play host to Leighton Corinthian Seniors who won 3-2. Watling Youth lost 6-2 to Barton Rovers at Leagrave Park.

There are two league cup games on Sunday plus a host of league matches in all divisions week (see the fixtures page).

Clive Milton

l The Michael R Peters Bedford & District Sunday League is ready to accept applications from any new clubs wish wish to join them for the 2012/13 season.

For more details, please contact General Secretary Russ Maddox on 01234 404886 or email russmar@ntlworld.com

FRUSTRATED centre-half Dean Beckwith has admitted he would be open to going out on loan to play first team football if he can’t get it at Kenilworth Road, writes Mark Wood.

Signed in the summer from League Two neighbours Northampton Town, Beckwith was a regular fixture in Luton’s defence before getting sent off in the game against Lincoln on September 17.

Since then he has struggled to get past the successful centre-half pairing of George Pilkington and Janos Kovacs – signed in his absence – and a calf injury that ruled him out for almost two months has further added to his woes.

While Beckwith has his sights set on winning back his place in the Luton starting 11 he would also be prepared to look elsewhere in order to play.

He said: “Maybe I can go out somewhere and play some games. I’m 28 years old and I don’t want to be not involved.

“Training’s good for your fitness but there’s nothing like playing games and getting match fitness that way.”

For the full story, see this weeks Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale now.

A group of bowlers from more than eight different bowls clubs in Bedfordshire recently went on tour to Bournemouth for five days of fun and Indoor Bowls.

On Monday, February 13, a warm welcome was received on arriving for the first match at Loddon Vale Bowls Club on the way to Bournemouth. After a bite to eat and drink the game got under way. 9 mixed rinks enjoyed a good afternoon of bowls, finishing with just one winning rink and one rink drawing.

The final score being a 128 – 177 defeat for the tourist’s.

Top rink of the afternoon being G Cousens, J Bigley, B Humberstone and D Nutting and the highest losing rink was M Harper, C Rowlands, I Bigley and A Gilbert.

On Tuesday February 14, 6 mixed rinks along with supporters headed into Weymouth to play Moonfleet 2000, on a pleasant sunny afternoon some headed to the beach while the rest headed indoors for the bowls. Again a pleasant afternoon of bowls and good company was enjoyed on the green with some very good bowling.

After the game the players sat down for a drink and chat with the opposition before both captains made their presentations. Valentines Day had brought the Tourist’s their first win with four winning rinks and two losing rinks the final score was 114 – 107.

Top rink of the afternoon was J Gatward, A Walsh, P Denton and C Buck and the highest losing rink was L Walsh, A Doggett, T Butt and B Merrill.

With it being Valentines Day the dress for the evening was red and black, and with many taking part some strange looks came from the other guest’s in the hotel. A bottle of pink champagne was presented by that evenings compare to Sarah and Wayne Humberstone for their fancy dress of the King and Queen of Hearts.

On Wednesday 15th the bowlers enjoyed another sunny morning for a stroll and then a coffee on the Hotel veranda before departing for the short drive to Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Club. Nine mixed rinks enjoyed another good afternoon of bowls with good company and although the tourist’s only had one winning rink several others were close.

The final score being a win for Bournemouth 198 – 132.

Top rink of the afternoon was J Gatward, B Keech, J Lusignani and A Gilbert and the highest losing rink was L Walsh, B Rowlands, B Humberstone and D Cousens.

Thursday 16th saw the tourists head off along the road to Dorchester Bowls Club.

Very good company at a lovely bowls club saw some very good bowling and laughter on the green. As everyone gathered in the Clubhouse afterwards for refreshments and conversations the announcement of another defeat was made this time by the slender margin of 103 – 109. The top rink of the afternoon was M Acland, J Bigley, R Oldfield and B Merrill and the highest losing rink M Buck, B Rowlands, A Walsh and A Gilbert.

The Bonus ball was also run for the Wednesday lottery and the lucky winner was B Merrill.

Each day a tote was run for the top rink on the day and again this proved very popular with many people picking up winnings each day.

Many thanks to all that supported us on tour again this year and we look forward to seeing you all again for the 2013 Tour.

Results

Bowlers on Tour 128 Loddon Vale Bowls Club 177

M Buck, A Doggett, P Gilbert, D Endersby 10 Loddon Vale 25

J Gatward, G Broomfield, A Nutting, B Merrill 14 Loddon Vale 19

L Broomfield, B Rowlands, B Keech, J Cheesbrough 11 Loddon Vale 22

T Butt, R Shaw, J Lusignani, C Buck 13 Loddon Vale 20

M Acland, W Cheesbrough, R Oldfield, W Humberstone 18 Loddon Vale 18

V Shaw, J Humberstone, D Sherriffs, D Cousens 18 Loddon Vale 25

G Cousens, J Bigley, B Humberstone, D Nutting 29 Loddon Vale 11

M Harper, C Rowlands, I Bigley, A Gilbert 15 Loddon Vale 37

Bowlers on Tour 114 Moonfleet 2000 Bowls Club 107

L Broomfield, B Keech, I Bigley, D Nutting 17 Moonfleet 16

V Shaw, G Broomfield, W Cheesbrough, P Gilbert 17 Moonfleet 15

M Buck, J Bigley, J Cheesbrough, A Nutting 15 Moonfleet 24

L Walsh, A Doggett, T Butt, B Merrill 15 Moonfleet 26

J Gatward, A Walsh, P Denton, C Buck 27 Moonfleet 11

M Denton, R Shaw, R Oldfield, A Gilbert 23 Moonfleet 15

Bowlers on Tour 132 Bournemouth Bowls Club 197

M Acland, G Broomfield, I Bigley, D Endersby 16 Bournemouth 18

V Shaw, A Doggett, J Cheesbrough, P Denton 17 Bournemouth 18

M Harper, J Bigley, D Sherriffs, W Humberstone 11 Bournemouth 20

L Walsh, B Rowlands, B Humberstone, D Cousens 8 Bournemouth 36

L Broomfield, R Shaw, A Nutting, P Gilbert 16 Bournemouth 17

M Buck, M Denton, W Cheesbrough, D Nutting 17 Bournemouth 20

J Gatward, B Keech, J Lusignani, A Gilbert 20 Bournemouth 19

G Cousens, C Rowlands, R Oldfield, C Buck 17 Bournemouth 20

J Sherriffs, J Humberstone, A Walsh, B Merrill 10 Bournemouth 29

Bowlers on Tour 103 Dorchester Bowls Club 109

T Butt, A Doggett, I Bigley, W Humberstone 23 Dorchester 9

M Acland, J Bigley, R Oldfield, B Merrill 31 Bournemouth 8

M Denton, B Keech, D Sherriffs, C Buck 13 Dorchester 22

M Buck, B Rowlands, A Walsh, A Gilbert 11 Dorchester 28

L Walsh, J Humberstone, J Lusignani, P Gilbert 10 Dorchester 25

J Sherriffs, C Rowlands, B Humberstone, P Denton 15 Dorchester 17

BLUES: Dual-registered Saracens back Ben Ransom is hoping to help lead the Bedford Blues to promotion from the Championship.

The England U20 star said: “Playing in the LV Cup is good experience – to be able to play with the first-team in games is very good. It (Saracens) is a good set-up and they really look after you well – playing in the A-League really helps you and your game.

“I want to put in some good performances with Bedford after finishing with England U20s and next year and try to get some games for Saracens.”

RUGBY: Bedford Queens scored a 17-10 victory over Rushden & Higham in Midlands Three East South on Saturday while Bedford Swifts lost 45-12 at Northampton BBOBs.

Rushden started the stronger side and only some strong tackling and good defence enabled Queens to hold out for 20 minutes before Rushden touched down a converted try.

Queens remained on the back foot for another 10 minutes and lost Simon Caddick to injury.

Constant infringements by Rushden saw one of their players sin-binned and Queens took full advantage as John Fisk scored in the corner as Queens trailed 7-5 at the break.

Queens were more focused in the second and Rushden were put on the back foot when captain, Luke Wilson, finished off a strong forwards drive.

The visitors became more frustrated as they tried to take the game to Queens and Ryan Lennon was harshly yellow-carded as Rushden levelled the scores at 10-10 with the resulting penalty.

Queens stepped up to the plate in the last 20 minutes and through improved discipline, stronger tackles and some clever tactical kicking by player/coach Ash Tapper, gained the upper hand.

With eight minutes to go, Queens’ forwards took the ball into the Rushden 22 and the pressure of several scrums created the opportunity for Tim Chapman to score and Dave Morrish slotted over the conversion to seal victory.

Queens chairman Tim Ayles added: “This keeps us away from the bottom of the table and a couple more wins should help secure our position in this league.

“The team played well and everyone contributed to a great game and a well-deserved win.”

This weekend Swifts host Deepings and Queens entertain Stamford in their re-arranged fixture.

Blue Square Bet Premier

Barrow 1 (0) Luton Town 0 (0)

TOWN’S hopes of promotion fell flat as a pancake as they lost 1-0 to Barrow on a wretched evening in the north west last night, writes Mark Wood.

Victories for the top two of Fleetwood and Wrexham look to have all but killed off Luton’s automatic promotion hopes, while Alex-Ray Harvey’s late second half strike vanquished Hatters on as Barrow beat them for the first-ever time in the Conference, ending Town’s 13-match unbeaten league run.

Before kick off, Luton’s directors handed out scarves to the 70 travelling supporters who had made the mammoth journey to Holker Street where the crowd of 925 was Barrow’s lowest of the season.

Town made two changes from the team that beat Tamworth 3-0 at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.

Right-back Curtis Osano was ruled out through injury and John Paul Kissock dropped to the bench as in came Keith Keane at full-back with Craig McAllister leading the line.

Young keeper Lewis Kidd, meanwhile, was named on the bench following the shock retirement of Kevin Pilkington.

Hatters started with a strong wind at their backs and McAllister turned well in the opening moments but dragged his effort wide, while a flowing move saw Aaron O’Connor have his shot deflected over.

The conditions were having a telling influence on the game and Luton had another opportunity on 10 minutes when McAllister burst on to Janos Kovacs’ ball over the top but he could roll tamely at Shaun Pearson.

A Keane cross was then headed goalwards by McAllister but it was again too easy for Pearson, before the Hatters should have taken the lead on 20 minutes.

A good passing move ended in Greg Taylor picking out O’Connor in the six yard box but he could only glance his header straight at the keeper.

The tackles began to fly in midway through the half as the game developed some bite, while O’Connor and Stuart Fleetwood combined well on 25 minutes but Jake Howells was just unable to get on the end of the cross.

In a scrappy half, Luton were the only ones playing with any real quality as McAllister was just unable to connect with a hanging Howells cross.

The Bluebirds finally threatened after half an hour. Jack Mackreth having his effort blocked and the lively Richie Baker firing straight at Mark Tyler.

Another good chance went begging for the visitors 10 minutes before the break when O’Connor’s flick fell for McAllister, but the target man blasted wide of the mark.

With the wind at their backs Barrow looked a different side in the second half.

Andy Cook robbed Kovacs five minutes in but flashed wide when he should have found the net.

O’Connor had shouts for a penalty turned down just past the hour as the game continued to simmer, but there was little quality on a dreadful night.

Referee S Duncan was struggling to keep control of the game and Mackreth almost unlocked the Luton defence when he got in behind on 71 minutes, but his low cross went begging.

Accustomed to the conditions the hosts finally made the breakthrough two minutes later when the ball was pulled back to Harvey and his low shot crept inside the far post.

Substitute Kissock almost threaded Fleetwood through but he was just beaten to it by the keeper.

Town pushed for an equaliser as Kissock’s low free-kick was straight into Pearson’s midriff with two minutes to go.

The Bluebirds almost added a second in the last minute when Paul Rutherford wriggled free on the left and Cook would have found the bottom corner but for a combination of Tyler and the post.

Both sides squared up in the second minute of injury time and the final whistle soon followed as the Bluebirds’ victory was given a rapturous reception by the gleeful home supporters.

Bluebirds: Shaun Pearson, Paul Smith, Gavin Skelton, Phil Bolland (C), Danny Hone, Jack Mackreth, Richie Baker, James Owen, Alex-Ray Harvey, Andy Cook, Chris Turner (Paul Rutherford 67). Substitutes not used: Alex Cairns, Andy Nicholas, Andy Ferrell, Cliff Moyo.

Hatters: Mark Tyler, Greg Taylor, Keith Keane, George Pilkington (C), Alex Lawless, Craig McAllister (John-Paul Kissock 80), Stuart Fleetwood, Aaron O’Connor, Jake Howells, Andre Boucaud (Adam Watkins 63), Janos Kovacs. Substitutes not used: Lewis Kidd, Danny Crow, Shane Blackett.

Bookings: Kovacs 30, Boucaud 56, Fleetwood 61.

Referee: S Duncan.

Assistant Referees: M Dicicco and S Hudson.

Fourth Official: K Mulraine.

Attendance: 925 (Hatters 70).

Star Hatter: Greg Taylor. Solid and forward thinking on a night where quality was at a premium.

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

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BLUES coach Martin Hynes was delighted to see his side finally win away from home as they defeated Moseley 24-15 on Saturday, writes James Heneghan.

Hynes said: “We’re dead pleased with that. It’s a really hard place to come and play rugby and fair play to Moseley because every time we come they put in an 80-minutes performance.

“They’re a dogged, hard side, so I’m really pleased with how it went.

“Everyone keeps reminding us about our away form so it’s a little bit worrying. We did target this as an away win just because of the fact we haven’t won since November.

“It’s a bit disappointing that our away form has been so poor because we’ve lost so many on the bounce away, which isn’t good. But we’ve got that monkey off our back now and that’s important.

“It’s a well deserved win today.”

Luke Baldwin was the standout performer for the Blues – scoring twice – and Hynes was full of praise for the young scrum-half, adding: “Luke’s a smashing lad.

“It’s always good when we get some youthful enthusiasm in the side like he has and obviously there are little bits he needs to work on but we’re blessed in that department because we have a lot of good scrum-halves at the club.

“It’s very disappointing to concede straight after scoring.

“That’s the bit when Mike Rayer has a heart attack a little bit, because it’s just when you need to control the game and force a little bit of pressure on to the opposition.

“It’s not what we intend to do at all, but it’s just a lack in concentration and we allow them back in.

“The important thing is that they’re giving everything they’ve got – they keep emptying the tank every week so hopefully the results will keep coming. We’re looking forward to Nottingham this week because we know they’ll bring down a well-prepared side. They’re a good side so we’ll have to stay focused.”

HATTERS midfielder Andre Boucaud is hoping for a better outcome when he takes to the field at Holker Street with Luton Town tonight, writes Mike Simmonds.

Back in November, when playing for York City, the 27-year-old was sent off in the 90th minute along with former Luton striker Jason Walker as the Minstermen were held to a 0-0 draw.

Boucaud, who impressed on his Hatters debut at the weekend, said: “I got sent off about three or four months ago there, so it’s not the greatest of places but that’s gone now.

“I’m at Luton now and I want to go and get three points for Luton.”

Speaking about the game with Barrow, who are still in with a shout of the play-offs themselves, Boucaud added: “It’s going to be difficult with the conditions of the ground and the pitch isn’t the greatest.

“But you have to stand up and be counted. You’ve got to go and get a result which is the main thing and I think we’ll do that.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

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BARROW have been one of the major surprise packages in the Blue Square Bet Premier this season, writes Mike Simmonds.

An 18th place finish with 50 points to their name last campaign, gave little impression of a potential promotion push this time round, but they are currently sitting pretty in 11th place, just two points from beating their previous points tally with 14 games to go.

Nabbing a play-off spot isn’t beyond them either as the Bluebirds are ony seven points behind another team many didn’t expect to feature at the top end of the table this year in Southport.

Off the pitch, the club have been in a period of change during the last few weeks with joint manager Darren Sheridan first suspended from his duties following an internal investigation and then swiftly leaving by mutual consent.

Sheridan had been part of a double act with former Luton defender Dave Bayliss for the past five years, leading the club into the Conference, but Bayliss has since confirmed he remains committed to the role.

Recent results have been up and down with Barrow beating Kettering at the weekend, but losing four of their last seven matches, including being dumped out of the FA Trophy at Wealdstone.

On home soil they remain an extremely tough proposition though as they haven’t lost in eight matches, and that was a 2-1 home defeat to League Two Rotherham United in the FA Cup on November 12.

You have to go back even further for the Bluebirds last home league defeat, a mightily impressive 11 games when they went down 3-2 to Mansfield on September 17.

Strikers Adam Boyes and Andy Cook have been in scintillating form, with Boyes on 14 in the league this year, and Cook netting 15.

The club have continued to strengthen too with former Accrington and Burscough winger Chris Turner signing after impressing in a practice match,

Burnley duo Alex-Ray Harvey and Joe Jackson also joined on loan, while Leeds goalkeeper Alex Cairns has been brought in on a month-long deal.

Games between the two sides haven’t exaclty produced a flurry of goals in recent times either, apart from the 5-1 demolition handed out by Luton at Kenilworth Road earlier this season.

Three out of the four times the sides have met in the Conference, Luton have won by just the single goal, with the other match ending 0-0.

Town have conceded just once in their last five meetings home and away, although Barrow did enjoy better luck when they were a Football League club, beating Hatters 2-1 and 3-0 back in the 1960s/70s.

Team news: Hatters are still without joint leading scorer Amari Morgan-Smith and midfielder James Dance, while defender Dan Gleeson is also struggling as is Curtis Osano who was substituted with a tight hamstring on Saturday.

Keith Keane, Dean Beckwith, Charlie Henry, Shane Blackett and Ed Asafu-Adjaye are all fit though while young keeper Lewis Kidd may be on the bench after Kevin Pilkington left to join Notts County as a goalkeeping coach on Monday.

For Barrow, Kelvin Lomax is available after his suspension, but Adam Boyes and Joe Jackson are both banned.

In charge: Dave Bayliss – Liverpudlian centre half who made his name at Rochdale, playing over 150 times for the club, before a spell on loan with the Hatters, where he made 37 appearances between 2001-2005.

Eventually moved to Barrow, where he became player manager in 2007 and has been an undeniable success, leading the club to the Conference and also an FA Trophy Final win over Stevenage in 2009.

View from the opposition: Manager Dave Bayliss - “We want to make sure our home ground is a fortress and to get to 10 wins is a really good achievement so far. But there is many more games to come and we have to make sure we get more wins.”

One to watch: Andy Cook – young striker who has been a revelation at Holker Street this season.

Started life at Carlisle before two loan moves to Barrow ended in a permanent deal in January 2011.

Began with a bang this season, notching a hat-trick in a shock 4-0 win over Fleetwood, before another treble followed against Hayes & Yeading.

Netted another two in the victory over Kettering on Saturday and has six in his last six games, making it 15 in 26 league appearances this season.

Last time out: Hatters battled their way to a 1-0 victory last season thanks to Matthew Barnes-Homer’s 37th minute winner.

The game saw a Town debut for midfielder Godfrey Poku against a Barrow side indluding former Luton striker Jason Walker.

Hatters: Mark Tyler, Dan Gleeson, Freddie Murray, George Pilkington, Zdenek Kroca, Jake Howells, Claude Gnakpa (Godfrey Poku 66), Keith Keane, Andy Drury, Matthew Barnes-Homer (Taiwo Atieno 75), Danny Crow (Amari Morgan-Smith 60).

Attendance: 1,416.

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

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