REPORT | Bedworth United 1-1 Quorn

In a lowkey affair at Bedworth’s Oval, Quorn came from behind to secure a point, courtesy of Silvio Bello’s header around the hour mark. With a playoff place virtually assured for the Reds, Manager Ant Carney took the opportunity to rest a handful of players.

The hosts started the brighter, dominating the first fifteen minutes and falling behind to a Christopher Cox header as he escaped his marker and stole in at the back post. Quorn broke out of their early slumber, carving out their first sight of goal in the 25th minute when Tyrell Shannon-Lewis’ determination saw him win possession and feed Courey Grantham. The powerful striker hit his shot on the turn but a solid block denied him a goal.

Quorn were playing some of their trademark football by the half hour mark, flowing forward in numbers with some neat, intricate build-up play, but Bedworth’s defensive line was solid and couldn’t be penetrated.

Charlie Woods had been forced into a couple of superb saves at the other end, keeping the Reds in the contest as he denied Cox a second from close range. Quorn started the second half on the front foot, applying constant pressure as the Greenbacks eventually wilted. Jack Samples floated a corner to the back post, where Pat Zito and Bello were queuing up, the latter getting his head to it to draw the Reds level.

Tom Hilton had a gilt-edged opportunity moments later, getting his head to a left wing cross, but guiding it just over the bar. The final 20 minutes saw both sides looking for a winner, with the best opportunity falling to Leo Stone, who was through for a one-on-one with the last kick of the match. Woods made himself big and Stone fired wide of the post.

It would have taken a minor miracle for Quorn to have missed out on the playoffs, but the point made sure of their place. The Reds will now travel to face Anstey Nomads at Cropston Road on Tuesday evening (19:45 KO) as the rivals face off in the semi-final.