New signing Bradley Wells scored two fine goals on his debut – but the Tulips had to be content with a share of the points on the opening day of a new Evostik League Division One South season.
On a pristine 3G pitch the Tulips were very much in control of a keenly contested opening period and thanks to Wells’ sharp finishing were good value for their 2-0 half time advantage against the league newcomers, who had central defender Kyle Cartwright sent off for a professional foul on 14 minutes.
But it was a different picture after the break as Bedworth manager Stuart Storer made a couple of shrewd substitutions and it was Elliott Parrott and Kieron Brehon who were instrumental in the home team’s fightback.
It was a good contest, one which, however, could have been much better but for a well below performance by the match official whose whistle was a prominent feature in a stop start encounter.
His overall control of the game initiated a meeting of both club’s chairmen with the referees’ assessor after the game.
As could be expected, the home side were quickly out of the blocks from the start and Richard Blythe fully tested goalkeeper Michael Duggan with a blistering shot from 18 yards.
But the Greenbacks were down to ten men after 14 minutes with Cartwright dismissed for a professional foul on Jenk Acar.
Five minutes later Wells fired the Tulips into the lead following two consecutive corners.
Five minutes later Wells fired the Tulips into the lead following two consecutive corners.
The lively Acar was inches wide of extending the lead before Wells notched his second on 32 minutes, gliding the ball into a top angle from Andrew Wright’s cross from the left side.
The second half began as the first with Duggan pulling off a great save to deny Blythe.
But Bedworth’s growing influence brought reward on 66 minutes with Daniel Creaney applying the finish following some solid build-up play.
Shortly afterwards Acar won a free kick just outside the home area, but Wells’ well-struck free-kick was straight at Greenbacks goalkeeper Raajan Gill.
Back at the other end Bedworth were awarded a penalty but Luke Rowe’s effort crashed against a top angle.
However, the striker made no mistake with an 85th minute free kick, harshly awarded against Matt Varley, firing the ball low and hard into the bottom corner.
Both sides had late chances to win the game, but Iyseden Christie and Tom Waumsley failed to take advantage.
Tulips: Duggan, Walker, Field, Varley, Stainfield, Spafford, Downey (Lockie 85), Whitehead, Wells, Acar (Waumsley 76), Wright (Costa 70).
Attendance: 108.
