Reynolds hails Winslow after Bedford are stunned

The early signs were ominous with Bedford making the ideal start when skipper Luigi Rocco converted a third-minute penalty to put the promotion-chasers into an early lead.

Winslow regrouped, however, before the game’s pivotal moment came on 15 minutes when Bedford were convinced they had doubled their lead when a shot was tipped wide by visiting keeper Owusu Boateng, with the home players and fans claiming the ball had gone through a hole in the net but after consulting with the linesman, the referee awarded a corner.

This seemed to galvanise Winslow, who had a golden chance to level when Joel McCormick was upended in the box, only for Jason Costello to miss the resulting penalty, but the visitors were rewarded for their good play when Dale Butler coolly slotted home an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Steven Brooks put Bedford back ahead early in the second half, but the lead was short-lived with Juyin Oluwayemi bringing Winslow level for the second time.

Both sides had chances to claim the winner but it was the visitors who, with just minutes remaining, snatched an unlikely victory when Ryan Freshwater’s free-kick nestled into the net via a deflection.

Reynolds said afterwards: “What a great day for our club! The game started in the worst possible way but their goal didn’t really have the negative impact that some opening goals have had on my lads this season.

“We kept going and created a number of half chances against a very strong wind.

“Midway through the half it looked like the home side had doubled their lead. A shot from 20 yards plus was parried by our keeper. Some say it went in the net and through a hole, but the referee adjudged Owusu to have tipped it wide and out for a corner.

“We continued to play our passing style on a good pitch against a physical side and this was rewarded.

“Our first equaliser came following great defensive play from Ryan Freshwater, he then played an inch-perfect ball to Joel, who played in Dale Butler to finish on his right foot to send us in level at half-time.

“We made a sloppy start to the second half, gave away possession cheaply and allowed the opposition to score a second.

“But we knew if we continued to play football on the floor we would create chances and we did. Juyin latched onto a through ball and passed the ball into an empty net and then we a forced an own goal due to relentless pressure and numerous dangerous balls into the box.

“It was a great win – our best as a team this season. Everyone played their part. If we can reproduce that on Tuesday then we should be confident of getting something against Harpenden as well.

“The plan is still to stay in the league, achieve a minimum of 35 points and finish as high up as possible.

“If we can keep this squad and have a solid end to this season, a productive pre-season and a good start next year, then we should be in the right half of the table. All hard work is paying off.”

Winslow climb a place to 18th ahead of tonight’s game at Harpenden Town.