Missed Chances Cost The Pirates In 1–0 Loss to Leiston
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford lost their fourth game of the season, falling 1-0 away to 10-man Leiston in the Southern League Premier Central. Eddie Jackson scored the only goal at the Flannery Stadium, which secured the Blues all three points.
Before the game, we paused to remember Halesowen Town’s Colin Brookes, who recently passed away.
Leiston started the game more positively, testing King in the early stages. In the 15th minute, Leiston midfielder Adam Mills put in an excellent cross, which was just headed over. The Blues continued to force the Pirates back, and Sayer came close in the 29th minute with his shot being deflected wide of King’s right-hand post.
Just one minute later, Chris Wigger’s side opened the scoring through Eddie Jackson, who headed home Sayer’s corner at the far post. Despite taking the lead, Leiston received a red card in the 35th minute, Kyle Callan-McFadden was sent off after a high challenge on Weyman.
The Pirates managed to respond positively, creating more in the final third. Simmons played a nice through ball, but the keeper was there to clean up, Stevens also tested the keeper, but his effort was saved.
Second Half
Rob Sinclair made his first change at half-time, with Ben Weyman being replaced by Rio Deall, who had an immediate impact. He managed to break free on the right, but his cross went over the bar. The Pirates kept applying pressure, Bedford had two efforts blocked in Leiston’s box, and Richardson had a header saved off the line, however it was flagged offside.
Sinclair made his second change on the 60-minute mark. Josh Setchell, who returned from injury, came on for Lewis Hilliard. The Pirates continued to push for the equaliser, with top goal scorer Josh Allen firing over on a volley. In the 86th minute, Evans levelled the game, but the linesman’s flag went up. He had another good chance in the 93rd minute, but his shot was saved from close range. The hosts managed to defend well, with the game finishing 1-0 to Leiston.
Next up for the Pirates is an away fixture against Alvechurch on Saturday, 6th December.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Simmons (Hitchcock 86’), Hilliard (Setchell 60’), Tee, Watkins, Weyman (Deall 46’), Stevens, Allen (Evans 71’)
Unused subs: Morrell.
Leiston 1-0 Real Bedford
Saturday 29th November 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: The Flannery Stadium
