1978/9 to 1981/2

Nicky Platnauer -now (2013) manager of the current Bedford Town-and, behind him, Cliff Campbell seem to have forced home keeper Collyer into a spectacular save in the FA Trophy third round tie at Sutton on 21 February 1981, which ended in a 0-2 defeat

Bedford had reached the semi-final of the Southern League Cup six times before the 1980/1 season and lost each time. This year, however, they at last reached the final, via a two-leg win against Gloucester, and collected the trophy thanks to a 2-1 win at Bognor Regis followed by a 1-0 second leg win at The Eyrie on 11 April 1981, watched by 1,011 people, by now about three times the normal turnout. Here captain Billy Best shows off the cup, flanked by goalkeeper Frank Lane. Behind them are (left to right) Graham Felton, Neil Kirkup, Ken Goodeve, Kevin James, Peter Robinson, Nicky Platnauer, Charlie McGowan (partly hidden), Cliff Campbell, Paul Grant (unused sub), player-manager Trevor Gould.

Cliff Campbell, whose goal early in the second leg made the result virtually certain, and who also scored in the first leg, enjoys his moment with the Cup.

The last pre-season squad photograph, August 1981. Back row, left to right: Malcolm Russell (Coach), Barry Hollis (Football Secretary), Brian Knight (Assistant Manager), Nicky Platnauer, Paul Grant, Trevor Gould (Player Manager), Cliff Campbell, Ken Goodeve, Tony Luff. Ian Kavanagh, Ian Thompson, Mark Smith, Albert Winter (Chairman). Front: Keith Thornton (Physio), Charlie McGowan, Kevin James, Neil Kirkup, Peter Robinson, Bill Best, Suki Dadhria, Kevin Silous.

The build up to Wimbledon's first goal early in the first round FA Cup tie at The Eyrie on 21 November 1981. Keeper Tony Luff (arm raised) has been beaten by a corner to his left and the ball is on its way to Wimbledon's Peter Suddaby (extreme left) who put the League club on their way to a comfortable 2-0 win in the old Eagles' last FA Cup appearance before 3,869 people, about ten times the normal attendance by this period.

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