Jones strikes late as Pirates preserve unbeaten league start
Real Bedford extended their unbeaten start to the Southern League Premier Central season to ten matches as Archie Jones’ late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw with Bromsgrove Sporting at the Ledger Stadium.
Real Bedford 1-1 Bromsgrove Sporting
Southern League Premier Central
Attendance: 576
Bromsgrove provided an early warning when Harrison headed wide from a Hussey free-kick, before Bood sent a low delivery across the face of goal without a visiting player finding the finishing touch. Barrow then put an effort over, while Maye narrowly missed with a first-time strike from the edge of the area. The Pirates had to remain alert as the visitors created several openings in the early exchanges.
Real Bedford looked to establish an attacking rhythm, with Mensah seeing a shot from distance blocked midway through the half. Andi Thanoj made an important interception to cut out a dangerous cross at the other end, before Ben Stevens went close to breaking the deadlock with an effort that travelled just wide.
The Pirates continued to defend against Bromsgrove’s deliveries into the box. Harrison put another opportunity over, while Drew Richardson made an excellent challenge to halt a quick breakaway as half-time approached.
Real Bedford were then forced into a change shortly before the interval, with Jones replacing Thanoj. Reeves headed wide at the back post on the stroke of half-time, leaving the sides goalless at the break.
Second half
The Pirates threatened early in the second half. Josh Allen saw an effort tipped over, although a goal-kick was awarded, and Jordan Ponticelli followed by turning his marker and drawing a save. Despite those chances, Bromsgrove struck first when Shaw fired into the corner in the 55th minute.
Sam Cartwright played a crucial role in keeping the deficit at one. After cutting out a threatening cross, he headed an overhead kick off the line just past the hour, ensuring Real Bedford remained within reach of an equaliser.
A double substitution followed, bringing a debut for Callum Kane and a welcome return for Jack Davies. CJ Kiala and Elliot Simmons made way as the Pirates sought a route back into the match.
Allen was unfortunate when his goalbound shot struck Jones, who could not move out of its path, before Stevens sent an effort on target that the goalkeeper dealt with comfortably. Davies also made a vital defensive block as the visitors continued to threaten.
Jones saw a shot deflected wide in the 81st minute, but his next opportunity brought the breakthrough. Mensah and Allen worked hard to regain possession before Jones was played through by Allen, and the substitute finished superbly into the bottom corner to bring Real Bedford level. It was the reward for the Pirates’ persistence and set up a tense finish.
There was still a late scare to survive. Harrison headed onto the roof of the net before Dugmore struck the post in stoppage time, leaving Real Bedford relieved to see the ball stay out.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned point for the Pirates. Their perfect league record had ended, but Jones’ composed finish ensured Real Bedford remained unbeaten, moving onto 28 points from their opening ten matches.
Next up for The Pirates is a trip to AFC Stamford on Saturday 17th October.
Lineup: King, Cartwright, Richardson (C), Mensah, Thanoj, Simmons, Kiala, Morrell, Stevens, Allen, Ponticelli.
Subs: Jones, Hitchcock, Davies, Kane, Ahmed.