Late Barwell Goals Hold the Pirates to Home Draw
By Will Murray
Real Bedford conceded two late goals to draw 2-2 at home to Barwell in the Southern League Premier Central. Archie Jones and Josh Allen had given the Pirates a two-goal lead, but Anthony Dwyer scored a quickfire brace to snatch a point for the Canaries.
It only took nine minutes for Rob Sinclair’s side to open the scoring, with Jones latching onto Stevens’ deflected cross with a diving header to score past Finn Osborn.
The Pirates had chances to double their lead, including when Allen saw his shot nearly dropped into the net by Osborn. Allen also dragged his left-footed effort in the 27th narrowly wide of the right post.
Barwell still held a significant threat from counter attacks and set-pieces, coming closest to equalising when Zayn Hakeem struck his shot just over the bar midway through the first-half.
Second Half
It took only six minutes of the second half for the Pirates to double their lead. Stevens’ shot was blocked by Freddie Cook before falling to Allen, who struck a first-time effort into the bottom left corner.
Real Bedford continued to push forward, with Stevens and Jack Morrell both going close to making it three. The latter saw his left-footed effort from an indirect free-kick fly well over the bar.
In the 74th minute, Barwell halved the deficit through the substitute Dwyer. Sam Tomlinson’s through ball cut through the middle of the Pirates’ defence, leaving Dwyer with only McGregor to beat, and he calmly slotted home.
Five minutes later, Real Bedford thought they had restored their two-goal advantage, but Allen’s clinical finish was ruled out after he was pulled up for a foul on Sidik Atcha in the build-up.
In the 83rd minute, the visitors were level through Dwyer, who got on the end of a corner that was flicked on.
The Pirates came forward in numbers in the late stages to push for a winner, but had to settle for a draw, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to six.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“Really disappointing. First-half, we were poor with the details and the execution in terms of our play in possession. If you don’t take chances, you’re going to get punished and we did, so they got the point they deserved. We need to be better and cleaner on the ball.”
Next up for the Pirates is a home game against Royston Town on Saturday 18th October, where we will also have a Bitcoin Meetup before the match.
Lineup: McGregor, S. Ward, Richardson, Morrell, Hilliard (Simmons 84’), Watkins, Jones (Weyman 76’), Stevens, Setchell, Allen, Tee.
Unused subs: Cartwright, Hitchcock, Ahmed.
Real Bedford 2-2 Barwell
Saturday 11th October 2025
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
