Bedford Town earn fine point against Kidderminster Harriers after major blow of losing goalkeeper

Losing Ashmore had been a devastating blow, but with big gloves to fill, debutant Rohan Luthra, signed swiftly after Ashmore’s recall by Boreham Wood, more than justified his inclusion with a series of assured saves.

Joint assistant manager David Noble said: “Obviously because of how well Ash has done it felt like there was a death at Bedford this week losing him.

“I was devastated when I got the phone call from the manager. It was the first time me and him had been crying down the phone to each other.

“It was bad news for us and a bit of a hit.

“So to come out and perform and the new keeper to play as well as he did, it was really good to get a clean sheet on his debut.”

Joint assistant boss Harry Smart added: “It's a great result and a first clean sheet since November.

“We have been defending really well for long periods in games, but then conceding really poor goals.

“So it is good to see the boys give the opposition nothing. I am really proud of them - and we had two big chances to go on and win the game.”

Kidderminster showed their attacking intent early.

Inside two minutes, George Walker drove down the wing and delivered a cross-cum-shot that forced Luthra into tipping the ball over the bar.

Moments later at the other end, Blackman saw an effort from the edge of the area blocked before the visitors broke quickly, Ryley Reynolds squaring for Ashley Hemmings whose shot was well parried away by Luthra.

A short corner on 11 minutes allowed Ryan Cole space to shoot, but Emeka Obi was well placed to block.

The Harriers countered again and Walker fed Hemmings, who slipped the ball past the onrushing Luthra, only for the assistant referee’s flag to spare Bedford.

Bedford’s best chance of the first half arrived on 34 minutes when Zanda Siziba flicked on for Tyrone Marsh.

Chasing a 21st league goal of the season, Marsh attempted to lob Christian Dibble, but his effort lacked height and was gathered comfortably.

Reece Devine was booked shortly before the interval for a high arm on Junior Gyamfi, and Kidderminster almost struck just before half-time when Owen Evans combined with Devine before shooting from space, only for Luthra to get down sharply to his left and turn the effort behind.

The visitors made a double change at half-time, introducing Amari Morgan-Smith and Jack Clarke. Morgan-Smith was quickly involved, working the ball wide to Devine whose cross was confidently claimed by Luthra.

Bedford continued to grow into the game, and on 55 minutes Gyamfi capitalised on a loose touch from Obi, driving forward and finding Marsh, who shifted his marker before firing narrowly wide of Dibble’s left-hand post.

A spell of pressure followed for Kidderminster around the hour mark.

After a corner led to a scramble in the box and a fine clearance from Gyamfi, the ball was recycled and floated back in by Charlie Cooper. Manny Maja, under pressure from Obi, handled the ball, and though many felt it occurred inside the area, the referee awarded only a free kick, which was blocked by the Bedford wall. Luthra then punched clear from the resulting cross.

Bedford freshened things up with the introductions of Jevani Brown and Josh Phillips, while Kidderminster responded with further changes.

Luthra endured his first nervy moment on 74 minutes when he spilled a long ball near the edge of his area but reacted superbly to block the rebound with his legs and smother the danger, despite strong appeals for a penalty.

The Eagles came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock on 79 minutes when a short back pass from Owen Evans allowed substitute Callum Ebanks in, but Dibble saved well with his legs. Bedford almost made them pay moments later when tenacity from Marsh saw Ebanks played clean through on goal, but with time and space he dragged his effort wide.

Late pressure from the Eagles saw Greg Sandiford and Blackman combine down the right, with Sandiford bursting into the box, though Dibble was able to collect the cross.

In stoppage time, Bruce Minaker tested Luthra from distance, but the debutant reacted sharply to parry and then gather at the second attempt.

After seven minutes of added time, the referee brought an end to a hard-fought contest, with Bedford securing a hugely important point against a side firmly in the promotion picture.

The result underlined just how far the club has come.

Two years ago, Bedford Town were preparing to face the likes of Kidlington and Kempston Rovers, respectfully.

Now, live on DAZN and just a day after losing one of the season’s standout performers, they stood firm against a former Football League club sitting fourth in the division with a clean sheet and a point that felt every bit deserved.