Match Report

The former Chippenham and Cirencester Town forward had a hand in both goals as Mark Collier’s side recorded only their third league victory on home soil this season. Stanley crossed for Alan Griffin to side-foot home Marine’s opener after 49 minutes, before his teasing centre was turned into his own net by Bedford defender Jon Darby three minutes from time. The Eagles pulled a goal back in second half stoppage time through Alaa Oujdi, but it wasn’t enough to wipe the smile from Collier’s face.

The Hunts Copse chief was delighted to record a third successive win, reserving special praise for the impressive Stanley. Collier said: “Nick is playing with a smile on his face and that is crucial. “He is a confidence player, and he seems to be enjoying himself here at Supermarine, so we are starting to see the best of him. “I don’t want to single him out because all the boys played well, but it’s nice to have a winger on form. “He is running at people, and delivering dangerous crosses which is great for our strikers.” It was from one such forward thrust that Marine took the lead, Stanley beating his man before whipping in a near-post cross which Griffin guided beyond the visiting keeper. The goal was no more than the hosts deserved after a dominant first half display in which they did everything but score.

Griffin, Ashley Edenborough, Steve Cook and Stanley himself all brought fine saves out of Bedford gloveman Mike Armitt as the Eagles held on. Indeed it took until they fell behind for Bedford to rouse, with new signing Tony Battersby forcing Matt Bulman into a smart save. Marine soaked up the pressure though, and when Stanley drilled a wicked ball across the six yard box the unfortunate Darby could do nothing to get out of the way. Oujdi restored some pride for the visitors in time added on, but his close range effort proved too little too late.

“The game was easy on the eye and I thought it was a good advert for Southern League football,” said Collier afterwards. “Credit to Bedford because they came here and wanted to play in the right way. “I thought we were stronger and brighter all over the field though and we fully deserved the three points.“We seemed to have discovered that mentality that allows us to compete for 90 minutes this season. “I think that 4-1 defeat against Hemel a couple of weeks ago has made us a bit stronger mentally. “We are striving to improve every week and this was another step forward. “It was a massive three points for us because it keeps us in that leading group.”