Five-Goal First Half Sees The Pirates Progress in FA Trophy
By Will Murray
Real Bedford progressed to the second round proper of the FA Trophy with a 3-2 win against Ashford United at the Ledger Stadium. A Conor Tee brace and a Malachi Soile header within the first 30 minutes were enough to beat the step four opponents.
It was a frantic start to the game, with Tee and Archie Jones both testing Taite Holtam. The Nuts & Bolts opened the scoring, though, when Jeff Aibangbee slotted past Craig King at the backpost after nine minutes.
Eight minutes later, the Pirates were level through Tee. Joey Evans was released on the right wing before cutting the ball back to Jones, who found Tee in space to score his first goal for Real Bedford.
In the 21st minute, Rob Sinclair’s side were in front when a perfectly weighted cross from Ben Stevens found Malachi Soile in the box, with the defender putting away the header from close range.
The goals kept on coming as Ashford equalised three minutes later when Louie Collins fired past King after a quick counter attack.
Tee then scored the best goal of the game to put the Pirates back in front in the 27th minute. He received the ball from Ben Weyman on the left wing and curled a strike into the top right corner.
The visitors kept on pushing forward and came inches away from levelling the match again seconds before the break, but King was on hand to make a smart stop from a corner.
Second Half
After the interval, the tempo of the game dropped, with the Pirates looking to control possession and put the tie to bed. Tee and Sam Cartwright both had opportunities, but were unable to find the target.
Ashford were always a threat and missed two golden opportunities in the 73rd and 91st minutes, respectively. The first chance was a free header in the middle of the box, with the attacker unable to test King.
In the 91st minute, Collins was sent through on goal with only King to beat, but he sent his right-footed effort wide of the target.
The Pirates held on to win 3-2 and book their place in the second round, with the draw set to take place at 1pm on Monday.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“The main thing was that we got through. In terms of our performance levels, it wasn’t where we have been.
Sometimes you’ve got to grind out results and show that desire to defend your box in those closing moments, and we did that, so I’m delighted to progress.”
Next up for the Pirates is an away game against Stratford Town in the Southern League Premier Central on Saturday 1st November. Come down and support the Pirates - get your tickets for the fans bus here.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Soile, Cartwright, Weyman, Watkins, Tee, Jones (Richardson 64’), Stevens (Allen 64’), Ahmed, Evans (Hitchcock 79’).
Unused subs: McGregor, Longden.
Real Bedford 3-2 Ashford United
Saturday 25th October 2025
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
