Four-goal Pirates sail into next round of the FA Cup
Real Bedford booked their place in the next round of the FA Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Royston Town
Royston threatened early, but a fifth-minute attack was halted by a foul on Jack Morrell. The Pirates soon began to create openings of their own, with Tee brought down following good play down the left. He took responsibility for the resulting free-kick and found the top corner, once again, in the 14th minute to put the Pirates ahead.
Real Bedford continued to press. Ben Stevens had a shot blocked before Kiala’s effort was comfortably held, while a clever flick from Stevens almost released Ponticelli, only for Royston’s defence to intervene.
The visitors sent an effort well over King’s goal in the 24th minute, but the Pirates remained the more persistent attacking force. Tee went close to adding to his tally, with several attempts drifting narrowly wide.
The pressure brought a second goal four minutes before the break. After Stevens' shot was blocked, the rebound fell perfectly for Jones, who fired home his first goal of the season to give the Pirates a 2-0 half-time lead.
Second half
Chances opened up at both ends after the restart, before Real Bedford extended their advantage in the 60th minute. Tee delivered an excellent cross into the box and Ponticelli met it with a header to make it three.
Tom Hitchcock replaced Jones shortly afterwards, but Royston gave themselves a foothold with a goal in the 70th minute from Locke. King then made an important save five minutes later to preserve Real Bedford’s two-goal cushion.
Andi Thanoj and Owen Brooks were introduced as Sinclair refreshed his side, and Ponticelli saw another effort saved with nine minutes remaining.
The Pirates settled matters in the 84th minute. A flowing move down the right ended with Kiala skilfully rounding the goalkeeper and smashing home Real Bedford’s fourth.
There was also a welcome return for Jack Snelus, who replaced Ponticelli following a long-term injury.
The Pirates saw out the closing stages and three added minutes to confirm their progress in the FA Cup, capping a productive afternoon with four goals from four different scorers.
The Pirates will find out who they will play in the Second Qualifying round at 12pm on Monday 7th September.
Next up for the Pirates is another home fixture as Biggleswade FC visit on Tuesday, 8th September in the first round of the Bedfordshire County Cup. Get you tickets here.