London Colney made a miserable start to 2016 losing 2-1 away to lowly Bedford.

It was only the Blueboys second league defeat of the season but was tempered by the fact that nearest rivals AFC Dunstable also stumbled to defeat.

Louis Bircham’s goal with 15 minutes to go gave them hope they could rescue at least a point but it was not to be.

Bedford’s win allowed them to climb out of the bottom three.

The Blueboys did start brightly, a dangerous cross from the left by Jon Clements being cleared over his own crossbar by Laurie Bambridge.

From the resulting corner, Tom Smith sent a powerful header inches wide of the far post.

But Bedford were soon in front, and it was a beauty.

Charlie Smith hung on to the ball too long and the hosts were able to counter.

It was given to Chinua Cole, who still had a lot to do, but managed to leave three defenders in his wake before drilling a low shot past Charlie May

Reynaldo Carbon fired just wide as Bedford searched for a second while Colney’s best chances came from headers, Lee Close, Tom Smith, Clements and Bircham all going close.

But it would be Bedford who would score next on 50 minutes to extend their advantage.

Marcus Campbell was the grateful recipient, nipping in after the Colney defence left a long ball to each other.

Bircham’s goal, drilling low passed Ross Tompkins, set up a frantic finish but it was Bedford who had the best chance, May doing brilliantly to tip a Tom Silford shot onto the post.

The Blueboys know this was a huge opportunity to go 10 points clear at the top of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and will be looking for a response at home to Oxhey Jets on Saturday.

The reserves won 3-0 away at AFC Dunstable Reserves with goals from Mark Paradise, Archie McClelland and Niall Lysaght.