BEDALE AFC has recently held three pre-season friendly competitions, sanctioned by the NRCFA, in memory of friends of the club who are no longer with us.

Mark Ward was a local referee from Bedale who died in December 2014 and the cup in his memory was competed for between Bedale AFC (North Riding Football League division 1 winner 2017-2018) and Colburn Town (Wensleydale League winner 2017-2018). The game was refereed by a close friend of Mark, John Havelock and the Bedale team ran out close winners 2-0 in a very friendly and competitive game.

Danny Davies played for Bedale High School and Bedale AFC and was tragically killed in a motor cycle accident in Scotland in 2008. The Danny Davies Cup was won by Bedale AFC in a close game against Black Swan, Bedale. The final memorial game was competed for between Bedale AFC reserves, Henley’s FC, Black Swan, Bedale and West Tanfield, the teams that Will Abbbotson played for. Will was killed in a road accident in 2011 and it was pleasing to see so many of his friends and teammates turn out in his memory. The round robin competition was won by Henley’s FC on goal difference from West Tanfield and Bedale reserves.

Fishburn Park 1 Bedale AFC 5

BEDALE travelled to Whitby to take on Fishburn Park looking to build on their mid week win against Stokesley S.C. Once again Bedale were slow out of the blocks and were a goal down after 7’ when 16 year old right winger Adam Warrilow lost his marker and hit a fine shot across Bedale keeper Dean Hudson. Bedale were having more of the possession but were giving the ball away cheaply which resulted in Hudson having to palm away a 30yard drive from a Fishburn forward. Bedale were level after 19’ when Dan Baxter put through Jonny Rayner who calmly stroked the ball past the advancing Fishburn keeper Kieran Noble. Noble was in action again just before half time when he parried a Baxter shot. Half time 1-1. Fishburn kicked with the strong breeze second half and in the first minute Rich Lane hit a 35 yarder which bounced off the bar. After 52’ Bedale took the lead. Dan Baxter beat two men on the right wing before drilling a low cross which was met by Mikey Stevens who got in front of his marker and smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Bedale were controlling the game and went 3-1 up five minutes later. Michael Gunnells free kick was headed home by Josh Fullerton. After 68’ it was 4-1 when Dan Baxter and two defenders challenged for the ball only for Baxter to hit a 20yard screamer past Noble to score a great opportunist goal. With ten minutes to go Dan Caisley made it 5-1 with the goal of the game. Mikey Stevens passed to Dan who beat his man and hit a 25 yard screamer across Noble into the top left hand corner of the net. Bedales next game is at home to Yarm & Eaglescliffe on Wednesday 29th August kick off 6.30pm. On Saturday 1st September Bedale are away to Redcar Newmarket. Kick off 2pm.