Pirates beaten at Sixways despite early Jones equaliser
Real Bedford suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Worcester City, with Archie Jones’ early equaliser unable to prevent a difficult afternoon for the Pirates at Sixways.
Worcester City 4-1 Real Bedford
Southern League Premier Central
The afternoon began with an immediate setback. Aaron Bishop broke in behind the Pirate defence and lifted his finish over O’Sullivan to give Worcester the lead inside the first minute.
Real Bedford looked to respond, with Josh Allen chasing down a backpass six minutes into the contest, only for the home goalkeeper to reach the ball first.
The equaliser followed shortly afterwards. A good attacking move ended with Josh Setchell cutting the ball back for Jones, who timed his late arrival into the penalty area and slotted home in the eighth minute.
Setchell continued to offer a threat down the wing, winning a corner as Real Bedford sought to build on their response. At the other end, the Pirates had to block two Worcester chances before dealing with a succession of corners.
Real Bedford then had an excellent opportunity to move in front. A corner found Drew Richardson free at the back post, but his volley went wide, leaving the sides level.
Worcester’s set pieces remained a concern. Long throws brought further pressure inside the penalty area, while O’Sullivan was forced into a hurried clearance when receiving the ball with an opponent closing him down.
The hosts regained their lead in the 28th minute. Another corner caused problems, and Bishop was on hand to finish from close range after O’Sullivan was unable to hold the delivery.
Setchell tried to provide a response, working his way down the wing before seeing his cross blocked behind for a corner. However, Worcester struck again in the 36th minute, with Charlie Wise scoring from another corner to make it 3-1.
Allen attempted to turn and shoot inside the box as the interval approached, but was crowded out and tackled. Jack Davies was booked during added time, while Allen and Conor Tee both had efforts blocked before the half-time whistle.
Second half
Sinclair introduced Wiltshire for Collins at the break, handing the midfielder his Real Bedford debut as the Pirates looked for a way back.
Worcester threatened again soon after the restart. Liam Lockett broke into the box and found Harry Burns, whose shot went narrowly over. Burns then went close from a Lockett free-kick before Hayward fired over after being found unmarked around eight yards out.
Real Bedford continued to deal with pressure, clearing another home attack before Wiltshire intervened to cut out a dangerous cross into the Pirates’ penalty area.
CJ Kiala replaced Allen in the 65th minute, with Jones booked shortly afterwards. Worcester then threatened from another set piece, but Wise and Bishop were unable to direct the ball on target.
The hosts were reduced to ten men with just over 20 minutes remaining when Bishop received a straight red card following a challenge on Richardson.
Real Bedford sought to make the extra player count. Kiala cut inside before sending his effort over the bar, while a promising Kane delivery towards Jones was halted by an offside flag before the midfielder could attempt a header.
Instead, Worcester extended their lead in the 75th minute. Hayward rose to power a header home, leaving the Pirates three goals behind.
Burrell replaced Davies in the 78th minute for his Pirate debut, and Wiltshire subsequently forced a save from the home goalkeeper with a low effort after turning towards goal.
Burrell was booked in the closing stages, and four minutes of added time brought no further change to the score.
Next up for the Pirates is a trip to Anstey Nomads on Tuesday 3rd November.
Lineup: O'Sullivan, Davies, Richardson (C), Morrell, Kane, Collins, Jones, Tee, Stevens, Setchell, Allen.
Subs: Wiltshire, Simmons, Burrell, Kiala, Ahmed.