Allen’s last-gasp penalty seals dramatic Real Bedford victory
Real Bedford secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Leiston at the Ledger Stadium on Tuesday evening, with Josh Allen converting a penalty in the fourth minute of stoppage time to settle a gripping contest.
Real Bedford 3-2 Leiston
Southern League Premier Central
Attendance: 337
The Pirates started positively, forcing three early corners and looking to make their attacking intent count. Jordan Ponticelli sent an effort wide inside the opening ten minutes as Real Bedford searched for an early breakthrough.
However, the visitors carried a threat of their own and were awarded a penalty after Jude Frostick won a spot-kick midway through the half. Willie Clemons stepped up, but King produced an excellent save in the 25th minute to preserve the deadlock.
Real Bedford responded with chances at the other end. Tee went through on goal on the half-hour mark, only for Robinson to deny him. The Pirates were then frustrated again during a scramble that saw Tee, Ponticelli and Kiala kept out, with Robinson making a save and Seb Dunbar contributing a block on the line.
Morrell narrowly missed from distance before King ensured the sides went into the interval level, saving from Mills in first-half stoppage time before Kye Callan-McFadden fired over. Despite opportunities at both ends, the opening 45 minutes finished goalless.
Second half
The second half continued in a similar fashion. Kiala had a shot blocked before Allen teed up Morrell, whose effort went agonisingly close. King remained busy, denying Mills in the 57th minute and then keeping him out again from a corner moments later.
The breakthrough finally arrived on the hour. Following a short free-kick, Stevens lifted a delivery into the box and Cartwright rose to head Real Bedford in front. After a hard-fought opening hour, the Pirates had their reward.
Nine minutes later, Tee doubled the advantage in spectacular style. Collecting the ball on the edge of the penalty area, he curled a superb effort into the top corner to put the Pirates 2-0 ahead.
Leiston refused to let the game slip away. King produced another outstanding save in the 75th minute to deny Alexander after Batho’s initial effort was blocked, but the visitors soon reduced the deficit when Aitkens headed in Harvey Sayer’s cross.
Real Bedford introduced Archie Jones for Andi Thanoj and Mo Ahmed for Tee, but Leiston drew level in the 84th minute. Joe Henman supplied the ball for Mills to make it 2-2, setting up a tense finish.
The Pirates continued to pursue a winner. Kiala threatened with a dangerous run before his pass was intercepted, while Morrell saw an effort saved as the match approached stoppage time.
Kiala won a penalty in the third minute of added time, giving Allen the opportunity to restore the lead.
Allen held his nerve and converted in the 94th minute, securing all three points, and nine wins from nine.
The Pirates will back in FA Cup action as they head to Chesham United on Saturday 3rd October.
We have arranged a fan coach which will leave the Ledger Stadium at 12pm. Get your fan coach tickets here.
Lineup: King, Cartwright, Richardson, Morrell, Thanoj, Simmons, Kiala, Tee, Stevens, Allen, Ponticelli.
Subs: Hitchcock, Jones, Snelus, Ahmed, O'Keeffe.