Boss Smart happy as Eagles make FA Cup progress

The visitors had gone in front after 16 minutes when Tsharne Gallimore was adjudged to have fouled Jesse Nwabueze in the area, who then dusted himself down to convert the resulting penalty.

Bedford weren't behind for long though, Eno Nto’s cross from the left wasn't cleared and Louie Kudiabor found the net just five minutes later. George Moncur then scored what proved to be the winner before half time, as Tarik Gidaree escaped on the right and his delivery was converted by the former Luton midfielder.

Aaron Jones was sent off for the visitors in the closing stages, as the Eagles will now host Isthmian League Premier Division side Wingate & Finchley in the next round, as boss Harry Smart said: “We spoke to the lads before the game about how knock-out football is different to league football, as it’s just about being good on the day.

"I think that represents what we did. We weren't great in the first, it was probably as bad as I’ve seen us play this season, but then the second half was chalk and cheese. The boys’ efforts and endeavours in the second half were unbelievable. We spoke a little bit about if we're not going to be good on the ball then we at least have to be compact and run and I think we were none of the three in the first half, but in the second half we were closer to it.

"I’m massively pleased for the boys. I think they demonstrated again just how resilient they are as a group, coming from behind in the style that they've done, fair play to them. It’s massive for us as a management team and for the football club to get through.”Eagles entertain Hereford this weekend.

» Ampthill Town keeper Mitch Howe repeated his penalty heroics again on Tuesday evening with two spotkick saves in the club’s Gladwish Challenge Trophy penalty shootout victory at Codicote, writes Eric Turner.

Having been held to a goalless draw over 90 minutes by the Division Two side, Howe followed up his heroics in the FA Vase, coming up trumps again with two more great stops. Danio Brown, Josiah Ramsay, Charlie Scott and Shea Greene were all successful for Ampthill to ensure they went through 4-2, as Town will now travel to Harpenden in the second round. Ampthill host Rushden and Higham in Division One this weekend and head to Stotfold on Tuesday night.

» Cranfield United ran out 4-2 winners at home to Sarratt in their Gladwish Challenge Trophy clash on Saturday.

Michael Pickard, Renaldo Smith, Omojiseoluwa Bankole and Fikile Mqobongo were all on target for the hosts, although they then lost 1-0 at Burton Park Wanderers in SSML Division in midweek and host Wellingborough Whitworth next.

» Kempston Rovers were knocked out 2-0 at home by Baldock Town and travel to Cockfosters this weekend.

» Ampthill Town Ladies were knocked out of Women’s FA Cup after drawing 1-1 with Hitchin Belles on Sunday and then losing 4-3 on penalties.