Eagles bring in midfielder from Oxford United​

A club statement on the new addition said: “Doyle broke into Oxford’s under-18 side at 14 years old and has racked up plenty of appearances for the under-18s and under-21 sides since, including a couple of FA Youth Cup runs. The new signing should bring legs and enthusiasm to the midfield.”

Bedford Town rounded off pre-season with a 1-0 defeat at Kettering Town on Saturday. The Eagles rested several key players ahead of this weekend’s season-opener, with Ryan Doherty, Junior Gyamfi, and Josh Castiglione, among others, not featuring, while there were three trialists in the front-line. Town started in a lively fashion, pinning Kettering in their own half and moving the ball with intensity, Lewis Franklin’s powerful attempt forcing the Poppies stopper into a good save.

Ben Weyman dragged just wide from 20 yards, before ex-Bedford player Eddie Panter won a penalty for Kettering, only to see his spotkick saved by Laurie Walker. Another former Eagle also threatened, striker Shaun Jeffers hitting the bar with a spectacular volley from 25 yards. One of Bedford’s trialists forced the home stopper into a good save as it remained 0-0 at the break.

In the second period, Eno Nto scuffed wide, while Manny Duku’s effort was comfortably gathered. Things then seemed to fall rather flat as the energy evaporated from the game, allowing Kettering to find the winner as Bedford conceded their first goal in the last five pre-season friendlies. Kettering almost added another late on, but Town get their National League North season underway this weekend, when they travel to Oxford City.