Eagles sweep aside young Hatters after a strong second half showing
Pre-season friendly: Bedford Town 3 Luton Town XI 0
Second-half goals from Finley Wilkinson, Ryan Doherty and Reece Evans clinched a 3-0 win for Bedford Town in their pre-season friendly clash against a Luton Town youth XI at the Eyrie on Tuesday night.
The first half was played in a typical friendly fashion, as both sides displayed some good passing and movement, but lacked any real urgency to break the deadlock. Eagles keeper Laurie Walker was called upon to smother one opportunity, as it wasn’t until 10 minutes into the second half that the deadlock was broken, Junior Gyamfi’s attempt from distance deflecting off Finley Wilkinson to fly into the net.
The game then opened up, with a flurry of chances, Josh Castiglione picking out Wilkinson at the far post, only for the winger to put his header too close to the Hatters’ keeper. Eagles stopper Aaron Flahavan, who had replaced Walker at half-time, made an excellent save, as did the visiting custodian once Reece Evans teed up Sonnie Davis.
With five minutes left, Bedford had a second goal as Ryan Doherty met Ben Weyman’s corner at the near post to flick into the net. The centre-back thought he had scored again moments later, only to see it chalked off for a foul, before the Eagles did grab a third when Davis’ ball forward was latched on to by Weyman, who picked out Evans and he was able to complete the scoring.
Bedford’s final friendly of the campaign sees Town visit Kettering on Saturday.
» The Eagles have signed German centre-back Festus Arthur from King’s Lynn on a permanent deal.
The 25-year-old has previous National League North experience and will be a welcome addition to the Eagles’ defensive ranks, having penned a one-year contract. Arthur made 16 appearances for King’s Lynn and Chester in the division last season, having started his career at Stockport County in 2019, making 31 appearances in the National League.
Bedford have also brought in 20-year-old striker Reece Evans from League One side Reading on a month’s loan. Evans came through Leicester City’s youth academy and scored 11 goals in 32 appearances in the U18 Premier League, also having a spell at Queen’s Park in Scotland before joining Reading, where he scored nine goals in 23 Premier League 2 appearances last season. He also netted twice in five National League South outings for Torquay United last term and as well as providing another striking option, can also operate as an attacking midfielder.