Clinical Pirates power past Bishop’s Stortford
By Louie Truman
The Pirates returned to winning ways with an emphatic 4-0 home victory over Bishop’s Stortford, strengthening their push for a play-off spot.
The Pirates started the game well; Conor Tee managed to cut in from the left and he had two efforts on goal, Setchell had an early chance, but he was denied in the box. In search for the opener, Jones played a brilliant ball for Allen, but his effort went wide.
In the 21st minute, Real Bedford took the lead. After a great ball from Jones, Ben Stevens found Josh Allen in the box, who finished well to put Real Bedford ahead.
The Pirates were unlucky not to go two ahead with both Conor Tee and Josh Allen having good chances. Just before half-time, Archie Jones had a shot which was saved; the Pirates went into the break 1-0 up.
Second Half
Just after the break, Setchell did well down the wing, and he managed to win a corner. One minute later, Conor Tee managed to double the lead. Just outside the box, Setchell won the ball back and he passed to Tee who finished his chance well.
Real Bedford went on to control the game and created multiple opportunities, Conor Tee hit the crossbar from a distance, and Jones played a ball in the box, but Allen couldn't convert.
In the 70th minute, Rob Sinclair made his first changes with Ben Weyman coming on to replace Archie Jones. Harry Gray also came on in the 79th minute, and he had an instant impact, scoring the third. Josh Allen played a perfect ball into the box, and Gray scored his first goal for the Pirates.
Just moments later, Josh Allen found the back of the net to make it 4-0. It was a great run by goal scorer Gray as he played a ball to Allen, who went 1-1 with the keeper, and calmly finished his chance. The Pirates secured an impressive 4-0 home win.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“Yeah, considering Friday would have taken a lot out of the group, I think the intensity we played at was magnificent, which was capped off with the four goals, really happy with the performance. The domination was superb, but for me that comes from the work rate.”
Next up for the Pirates is an away fixture against Redditch United on Saturday the 11th of April.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Davies, Hilliard (Collins 74’), Jones (Weyman 70’), Setchell (Gray 79’), Tee (Morrell 87’), Stevens, Allen.
Unused Subs: Watkins.
Real Bedford 4-0 Bishop's Stortford
Monday 6th April 2026
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
