In September 2001, to gain experience, he joined Bedford Town on loan making a goalscoring debut in the 1–1 away draw with Heybridge Swifts on 18 September 2001. Returning to Boston, he scored his first Conference goal for the club in the 1–1 draw at Margate on 1 December 2001 and three further goals in his next two games saw him attract the attention of Premier League scouts. In January 2002, he trialled with Tottenham Hotspur, appearing for the reserves in their 1–0 defeat at Nottingham Forest's reserves on 14 January 2002. The following week he trialled with Bolton Wanderers scoring twice for the reserves in their 2–1 home victory over Aston Villa's reserves on 22 January 2002. However, no move materialised and Elding remained with Boston, completing the season with six league goals from twelve starts at the Pilgrims secured the Football Conference title and promotion to the Football League.