Four different scorers as Pirates cruise to victory at Stamford
Real Bedford secured an emphatic 4-0 victory away to Stamford AFC, with four different goalscorers helping the Pirates collect another three points in the Southern League Premier Central.
AFC Stamford 0-4 Real Bedford
Southern League Premier Central
The breakthrough came around the quarter-hour mark. Ponticelli’s headed flick-on found Allen, who composed himself before placing his finish into the bottom corner. It was a clinical opening goal from the Pirates, giving Real Bedford an advantage they quickly set about extending.
Almost immediately, the Pirates threatened a second. Archie Jones had an effort saved before Ponticelli struck the crossbar, with Stamford coming under sustained pressure. Ben Stevens then brought a ball under control and fired wide as Real Bedford continued to create opportunities.
The second goal arrived midway through the first half. Callum Kane delivered an accurate cross to Ponticelli, who finished from close range at the far post. Having supplied the opener, the forward now had a goal of his own, putting Real Bedford two ahead and rewarding their attacking intent.
There was still defensive work to do. Craig King protected the advantage with a save at his near post in the 28th minute, preventing Stamford from finding a route back into the contest. At the other end, Allen came close to his second, only for his effort to be cleared off the line.
Real Bedford’s pressure brought a third shortly before the interval. Stevens provided the delivery, whipping the ball towards the back post, where Kiala met it with a cushioned header. The 44th-minute goal gave the Pirates a commanding half-time lead and left Stamford facing a substantial task after the restart.
Second half
The Pirates continued to pursue further goals in the second half. After Stamford fired wide, Jones sent an effort narrowly over the crossbar. Ponticelli then had a bicycle kick blocked before finding the net on the hour, only for the offside flag to rule out his effort.
Setchell’s introduction for Kiala in the 63rd minute provided another positive for Real Bedford. Morrell followed three minutes later, replacing Kane, and needed little time to make his mark.
With around 20 minutes remaining, Stevens supplied another decisive delivery. His corner found Morrell, who headed into the top corner to make it 4-0. It was an immediate contribution from the substitute and another demonstration of the threat posed by Stevens’ deliveries.
The Pirates could have added further to the scoreline. Stevens and Morrell both had efforts kept out, with one tipped onto the crossbar, while Tom Hitchcock headed narrowly wide in stoppage time.
Four goals, four different scorers and a clean sheet made it a satisfying afternoon for Real Bedford.
The Pirates will back in league action as they face Bury Town in a top-of-the-table clash at the Ledger Stadium. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: King, Cartwright, Richardson, Mensah, Collins, Jones, Kiala, Kane, Stevens, Allen, Ponticelli.
Subs: Hitchcock, Davies, Simmons, Setchell, Morrell.