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Blues victory sets up title showdown

Blues 3 – 1 Bedfordshire  On a blustery day against a relegated (and rough) opposition the Blues provided an object lesson in how to win despite never performing at their best. An early Niko de Walden tap-in after good work from the ever-willing Alex Toogood seemed to have set the Blues up for a comfortable afternoon against a Bedfordshire side who had been relegated the previous week. However, a combination of the physical approach of the opposition, and the lack of controlled passing exhibited by the Blues meant that the first half was something of a struggle, with the only real chances arising from set pieces. Bedfordshire even managed to regain parity when, on the stroke of half time, a series of Oxford errors presented Bedford’s least mobile striker with the chance to toe-poke home. A thoughful and, at times, inspirational team-talk from coach Martin Keown seemed to do the trick as the Blues dominated the second half. Toogood made the most of the new interpretation of the offside law as he raced through on goal and finished with typical aplomb. The game was then over as a contest just after the hour mark, as a brilliantly mis-hit Toogood shot fell at the feet of Homer Sullivan at the back post, who calmly put his foot on the ball before passing it into the net. Bedfordshire were largely restricted to pumping balls into the box from deep positions with increasing desperation as the game wore on. High, looping balls are food and drink to the colossal Toby Hodgson and imperious Paul Rainford. In fact, they only managed one threatening shot on target in the last half hour, which Nik Baker stretched low to his left to repel. The Blues will be delighted with the defensive performance and with the ease with which they scored goals, but less than satisifed with their work when in possession of the ball. However, the result was the all-important thing, and sets up a mouth-watering title decider on Friday against top-of-the-table Worcester.by Nik Baker

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