HEAD coach Paul McCartin was full of praise for his forwards after Derby's hard-fought victory at Bedford.

McCartin's men did what Midlands One East title rivals Kettering and Paviors have both failed to do by winning at Putnoe Woods.

Derby were also indebted to stand-in kicker Andy Brown, who contributed 16 points.

Mikey Robertson, Ryan Manning and Eldon Atherton returned for the visitors, while Phil Robinson was making his 100th appearance for the team.

Derby made a steady start but just as they were gaining momentum, the ball was lost in contact and Bedford swept upfield, allowing winger Tommy Mills to score.

James Mortimer added the conversion but the visitors reduced the deficit with two Brown penalties.

Bedford had Mills sin-binned shortly before the break and Derby took full advantage as the forwards drove Ben Coombes over the line for his first try of the season.

Brown's conversion put Derby 13-7 up at the interval.

Two second-half penalties from Brown provided a bit more breathing space but Bedford were defending well.

The outcome was made safe three minutes from time when, following a lineout, Derby's forwards rumbled on and Joe Pass broke clear to open his account this season.

Brown maintained his perfect record with the conversion, before the home side scored a late consolation try through Thomas Orton.

"It was a very controlled, disciplined performance," said McCartin. "It was a determined effort from us.

"Our forwards were dominant and the backs looked dangerous.

"Andy Brown put in an outstanding kicking display.

"Our man of the match, chosen by Bedford, was Tom Taylor-Dawes.

"Tom, by his own admission, didn't have the greatest first half but played very well in the second half.

"For me, though, it would be the whole front five.

"The way they dominated the set piece and got about the pitch was excellent.

"They had to work hard and they did. They were a big difference between the sides.

"We knew it was going to be tough and their league position doesn't do them justice at all.

"They have beaten Kettering and Paviors already this season and were certainly up for this one – but it was another case of 'job done' as far as we're concerned."

The returning Manning came off at half-time but McCartin is hoping he will be fit for Saturday's home match against Matlock.

"The pitch was a bit uneven and his ankle felt a bit sore, so it was more of a precaution than anything else," he said.

Kettering's bonus-point victory at Coalville means they have cut Derby's lead at the top to seven points.