TWO Lewis Hilliard goals in the second half were enough for Bedford Town to inflict defeat on the Blues at the Watson & Hillhouse Stadium on Saturday.

Hilliard struck in the 59th and 71st minutes to give the Eagles not just a 2-0 win, but three points to put them top of the Southern League Central Premier Division.

For Leiston, it’s now one league win in seven as they slipped to ninth in the table, five points off the final play-off spot.

Blues midfielder Fraser Alexander said after the game; “We knew it was going to be a tough game against a good Bedford side, but we put in a good shift first half.

“Conditions were difficult, very windy, so we knew it was almost going to be a game of two halves. We were very good first half and came out second half, same agenda, keep it tight at the back and get them on the break. We did that well.

“But we conceded an unfortunate goal, I felt. Then fair play their second was an unbelievable strike from the edge of the box.

“Bedford probably deserved the win although we’re disappointed not to get at least a point. But for us it’s onto the next game, Banbury next Saturday then the cup final, our season is not over.”

Ismael Fatadjo joined Wyatt Hill and Ollie Yun on the side lines for Leiston, while Jamar Loza had moved on to pastures new in the week when signing for Kettering Town.

Cameron Rayworth and Kyran Clements came into the starting XI, with club captain Seb Dunbar taking his place on the bench after being suspended last weekend. Billy Jordan also took his place on the bench.

Before the game, the club held a minute’s silence in memory of Adrian Gregory who passed away recently. Adrian was involved with the club for many years.

On a blustery afternoon in front of a healthy crowd, both sides had opportunities to open the scoring in an even first half.

Bedford striker Eddie Panter got in on goal early on but Eddie Jackson did well to put the player off and the Blued cleared.

Chances from both sides were hard to come by with the wind playing its part. Billy Johnson came to grab a long throw in for the Blues on 17 minutes before the home side broke up field, won a corner, but George Quantrell could only head over Fraser Alexander’s corner.

Rossi Jarvis nearly got on the end of a corner and Ben Fowkes also went close for the home side. At the other end, Bedford won a couple of corners and free kicks but Leiston defended well and went in at the break level.

Panter nearly put the away side ahead three minutes into the second period and then Fowkes forced an excellent save from Jonathan MacAulay on 52 minutes as Leiston almost took the lead.

Cameron Rayworth was then replaced by Seb Dunbar and the visitors took the lead on 59 minutes when Hilliard brilliantly chipped into Johnson’s bottom corner.

Bedford then made it hard for Leiston to get back into the game and Johnson did well to save with his legs from Panter on 63 minutes.

On 71 minutes, Hilliard made it two after a shooting home with a low strike and sub Bruno Andrade had a chance to make it three on 87 minutes but Johnson saved as Bedford saw out the game to take the points back to Bedfordshire.

FT: Blues 0 Bedford Town 2

Line-ups;

Blues: Johnson, Saunders, Armin, Clements, Eddie Jackson, Alexander, Fowkes, Quantrell, Mills, Rayworth (Dunbar 58 mins), Rossi Jarvis (Manly 73 mins). Subs not used: - Parlett, Jordan and Ryan Jarvis.

Bedford Town: MacAulay, Davies (Simmons 86 mins), Brown, Mbayo, Mensah, Green, Hilliard (Dawson 72 mins), Gyamfi (Andrade 77 mins), Panter (Leshabela 65 mins), Lobjoit, Blake (Whittaker 81 mins).

Match Sponsor, Lacons Brewery, Man Of The Match: Eddie Jackson

Attendance: 314