Late Stunner Snatches Point Against Harborough
By Louie Truman
Josh Allen fired home a stunning late rocket to salvage a point after a hard-fought, wind-swept battle against Harborough Town at The Ledger Stadium.
In the fifth minute, Harborough Town were forced into a change due to an early injury, and Real Bedford were let off after a mistake at the back. The Pirates were unlucky not to get a corner as Conor Tee had a shot which came off a Harborough defender, but a goal kick was given.
Archie Jones managed to open the scoring; it was a brilliant counter as Tee and Setchell linked up well, which allowed Jones to tap the ball past the keeper and give Real Bedford a deserved lead.
The Pirates went on to play some excellent football, which made it difficult for the visitors. Josh Setchell went close to doubling the lead; his strike just hit the side netting.
In the 30th minute, King made a great save to prevent the Bees from scoring the equaliser. Just before half-time, King made another excellent double save. After two minutes of stoppage time, the Pirates went into the break ahead.
Second Half
Within two minutes of the second half, Harborough Town managed to find the equaliser; Rory McAuley was the goal scorer. Following the goal, Harborough went close to finding their second before Stevens went up the other end and had a shot which went wide.
The Bees had a couple of great opportunities; they had a header which went just wide, and Hilliard had to make a clearance off the line.
In the 65th minute, Rob Sinclair made his first changes with Lee Watkins coming on to replace Lewis Hilliard. The Pirates had a difficult spell, struggling to get it out of their own half; Harborough went on to take the lead through Brady Hickey.
Ward made a crucial tackle to prevent a dangerous opportunity, and Josh Allen scored a stunning goal to level the score. After three minutes of stoppage time, the points were shared.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“Delighted, it was a game of two halves with the condition and the wind. I felt in the first half if we could of got the second then it would of given us more to hang on to because you know in the second half you'll be under pressure.”
Next up for the Pirates is a huge home game against Halesowen Town, while we also host our annual Bitcoin Weekend, come down and support the lads. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Davies, Cartwright, Morrell (Allen 75’), Hilliard (Watkins 68’), Setchell, Jones (Gray 86’), Stevens, Tee.
Unused Subs: Weyman, Efobi.
Real Bedford 2-2 Harborough Town
Tuesday 24th March 2026
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
