The Bec entertained Bedfont & Feltham in the first round of the Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup. The two sides had met at the same stage last year with Bedfont progressing 2-0, the start of a run which saw them eventually knocked out at the semi-final stage. Bec made one change to the weekend’s starting xl with Fernando coming in and there was a place on the bench for Eddie M’Bango after re-signing from Redhill.

It only took 5 minutes for Bedfont to take the lead when a cross field ball was met first time with pass across the Bec back-line which just evaded the stretching Thurbon, allowing the Bedfont striker a clear run through on goal, with plenty of time to compose himself he nestled the ball comfortably into the corner. The Bec were then masters of their own downfall as overplaying in their own half led to a quickfire double for the visitors, who were punishing the Bec for their sloppiness with some good finishing. The Bedfont defence were not being as charitable but the Bec were creating some good openings and after missing his first one-on-one, Shingler made amends second time round with a powerful finish into the far-right corner.

HT 1-3

Bec should’ve halved the deficit 3 minutes into the second period when Heravi rounded the keeper only for his effort to hit the inside of the near post and trickle across the line to safety. The home side were well on top and a glut of opportunities went begging due to a combination of wayward finishing and good goalkeeping, notably from a Shingler one-on-one. Tooting did get their second 5 minutes from time when Heravi stroked home from the edge of the area to set-up the possibility of extra time. However, it was Bedfont who got the last goal of the night to seal their progress to the next round when an under hit back pass let the substitute striker in to finish past Machacek.