Former Hatter leaves Crawley Green

Former boss Neil Tattersall has agreed to step in to steady the ship at the struggling Luton side following the departure of the former Luton Town star, and will be in charge at Caddington for the Challenge Trophy game on Saturday.

Under their new manager Luigi Rocco, Bedford started with six new signings as both sides had chances to take the lead.

Chris Johnson went close for Bedford on three occasions, while Stuart Strange and Robbie O’Dell both had opportunities for Crawley Green.

Neil Pugh went closest to breaking the deadlock but he headed wide from Strange’s cross.

Johnson put Bedford ahead just before the break when he broke through to score.

Bedford doubled their lead eight minutes into the second half when the unfortunate Nicky Nolan put through his own net from a Sam Harwood cross.

Two minutes later Crawley were back in the game when Robbie O’Dell curled home from the edge of the box, but poor defending allowed Ian Thorne to restore Bedford’s two-goal advantage after 61 minutes.

Crawley’s night was summed up when a mis-hit shot from Horwood sailed past Lane to make it 4-1 with 18 minutes to go.

On Saturday, Crawley Green bowed out of the FA Vase at the first qualifying round stage with a 2-0 defeat at Barking.