The Steelmen looked to keep up their unbeaten league run at Bedford, a game that was bound to be a challenge with the hosts predicted to be at the top end of the table come May, and who had a blank weekend to rest and prepare for the game.

Corby started bright, keeping position without really testing Kyle Forster in the host’s goal.

The game changed dramatically after 30 minutes, Callum Donnelly with a horrific two footed lunge on Ben Bradshaw, and then it appeared that he took a bite out of Connor Kennedys shoulder. Kennedy was booked in the commotion.

The half finished with the Steelmen on top, looking to make the most of the numerical advantage, and should have been a goal ahead, Bradshaw sliding in at the far post but he sent his effort from 6 yards high and wide.

Corby again started the half the stronger, a chance for Joel Carta struck straight at Forster before Mason Watkins-Clarke had to make a last ditch tackle to stop Crawford in his tracks.

Next up it was Jordan Francis who cut inside the full back before testing the keeper from a tight angle, Forster parried the initial shot but Elliot Sandy was quickest to the rebound, however Sandy appeared to be pulled back as he went to shoot and the ball trickled back to Forster. All of a visiting persuasion believing that the Eagles centre back had a handful of the striker’s shirt to pull him back and stop him.

Bedford introduced Benson and he almost made an immediate impact, his flick on into the path of Jermaine Osei was dealt with at the last second with Osei looking like he was through on goal.

Benson then won a corner for the hosts, Dan George punched the ball clear, Corby broke on the counter, the ball played through to Francis but Forster was quick out of his goal to clear the danger.

5 minutes later and the Steelmen really should have taken the lead. A cross from the left found Jordan Francis, who was on hand to meet the ball a few yards out but his effort was just the wrong side of the post!

1 minute later and Corby paid the price for their wastefulness in front of goal. A cross from the left was looped up into the air via a deflection, Dan George came out to punch the ball clear but seemed the miss it completely with the ball bouncing down off sub Paul Benson and rolling into the net.

Corby were feeling sorry for themselves, they were behind in a game they could have comfortably had wrapped up, and further anger came in the 77th minute when Connor Kennedy received a second yellow for a late tackle and the game was now 10 men a piece.

Corby pushed everything forward! They won a free kick in the 84th minute following a nasty looking stamp on Gary Mulligan, the referee having already blown for a shirt pull and taking no further action on either incident! The ball from George found Sandy but his flick on went straight through to the hosts 'keeper.

The Steelmen then won another free kick 30 yards out on the right touchline, Warburton playing in a delightful cross that nobody challenged for, the ball sailing behind for a goal kick.

The hosts then should have made it two. Connor Furlong raced onto a loose ball, and one on one with Dan George, the Corby 'keeper made a fantastic double save, first down the middle and then reacting quickly to get up and dive to his right to deny what looked like a clear goal!

This double save then led to the equaliser! The ball played out to the left channel before sending a cross over that was guided into the top corner from the sliding Miles Smith for his first goal of the campaign!

Bedford had a dangerous looking free kick in injury time that was straight at the wall, and then came the one chance that Corby hoped for to take all 3 points. Crawford sent a long ball into the box, Bettles controlled expertly before rolling past the last man, but his powerful effort was straight at Forster and the chance had gone begging!

Not the best performance we have seen from the Steelmen this season, but on another day though could have ran out 3/4/5-1 winners!

The unbeaten league run stays intact and they move back up to second place in the table, 3 points behind Bromsgrove Sporting with a game in hand.