Match Report: Old Southendians vs Bedford
Final Score: Bedford 4–3 Old Southendians

Old Southendians travelled to Bedford for their final fixture before the Christmas break and served up a dramatic, end-to-end contest that went right down to the final two minutes.

The visitors burst into life immediately, striking twice within the opening 10–15 minutes of the first half. Slick passing and sharp finishing put Old Southendians 2–0 ahead, fully deserving of their early lead. But Bedford rallied quickly, capitalising on a brief lapse in concentration to hit back with two goals of their own, levelling the match before half-time and shifting the momentum.

The second half opened with Old Southendians reasserting themselves. After sustained pressure, they broke through once more to regain the lead at 3–2, showing resilience and control despite the home side’s growing intensity. Bedford, however, refused to fade and found an equaliser to bring the game to 3–3.

The decisive moment came in extraordinary fashion. With only minutes left on the clock, Bedford launched a speculative, hail-mary pass down the length of the pitch — a lofted ball that stayed head height all the way through. It somehow connected with their forward, who finished clinically to steal the win with just two minutes remaining.

It was a heartbreaking end for Old Southendians, who had led the match three separate times, but they can take pride in a spirited and competitive performance away from home.