There was a change amongst the top two in the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central following Tuesday evening’s results.
Following their hard-earned home win, Halesowen Town went top, and hot on their heels just behind them on goal difference is Bedford Town after they battled out an excellent 1-0 victory at Stourbridge.
It really has been an impressive return to Step 3 for the Eagles following their promotion via the play-offs at the end of last term.
In a team packed with unsung heroes who have gone about their business in a quiet and efficient manner, is defender, Sam Brown.
The accomplished left-back has returned to action following six weeks out through injury. He was brought in to add experience and know-how during the summer having previously turned out for Step 2 outfit, St. Albans City, and prior to that was a Premier Central winner with Banbury United.
“The team performance at Stourbridge on Tuesday was exactly what we wanted,” he told us. “We were solid defensively and looked a threat going forward.
“Stourbridge are always a tough team to go away to and we knew there would be spells when we would be up against it, but the lads handled those well and Leon [Lobjoit] does what he does best and got us the goal.
“For me personally, it’s just good to be back playing after six weeks out and it was nice to be able to contribute to the team getting three points and moving up the table.
“Now we’re really looking forward to pushing on from here during the final months of the season.
“If we’re being honest, the season has exceeded expectations. The last time Bedford were at Step 3 they were relegated after just one season, so our aim was to be competitive and steer clear of the relegation spots.
“The lads have shown that we are more than a match for any team in the League on our day and the results have continued to come, which is fantastic.
“The League is what I expected and what it has been for a number of years. Every game is competitive and every team gives a good account of themselves. It’s very rare to have an ‘easy’ game at this level. There are teams with bigger budgets as there is in every League, but I think this season it’s been more competitive than ever, just look at how tight it is at the top and bottom of the table!”
So, have the club’s aims changed from what they were in the summer as the season has gone on?
“I don’t think they have,” Brown continued. “We don’t want to get too carried away with how things are going; we know that it’s a long season and things can change quickly, but we go into every game backing ourselves.
“We have a lot of ability in the squad and work hard for each other; the goal for the rest of the season is to just continue showing what we are about and hope the results continue to fall our way.
“If we can continue pushing for a play-off spot then that is a bonus. We’re just enjoying our football at the moment and long may that continue.”
A home game against one of Brown’s former clubs, Banbury United, is on the agenda at the weekend.
IMAGE: Bedford Town FC
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