Pirates bow out of FA Trophy after Wingate defeat
Real Bedford’s FA Trophy campaign came to a quick end as Wingate & Finchley claimed a 3-0 victory at the Ledger Stadium.
Real Bedford 0-3 Wingate & Finchley
FA Trophy - Third Qualifying Round
Attendance: 311
Jack Thomas gave the visitors an early advantage after McGettigan cut inside and laid the ball into his path. Thomas slid his finish into the net, leaving the Pirates with an immediate setback to overcome.
The Pirates looked to respond, with Tom Hitchcock brought down as he attempted to break forward on the counter. Wingate continued to threaten, however, and Watkiss sent a powerful effort over the bar. Josh Allen then tested the visiting goalkeeper, although his shot was gathered.
Real Bedford struggled to turn their attacking moves into clear openings during the first half. Archie Jones’ attempted through ball ran out of play, while a Stevens cross failed to find a teammate before Mo Ahmed fired over. At the other end, King collected an effort from Oupoh as the visitors searched for a second.
There were signs of improvement from the Pirates as the half progressed, although Wingate continued to close down their attacks. Stevens produced Real Bedford’s best effort to that point in the 34th minute, forcing a save, before Rob Sinclair made his first change, introducing Drew Richardson for an injuredc Benji Mensah.
Wingate remained dangerous, with Frempah heading over from a free-kick. The Pirates then came agonisingly close to levelling two minutes before the interval when Stevens curled an excellent effort against the post. The ball stayed out, and Real Bedford went into the break trailing by a single goal.
Second half
Any hopes of building on that late first-half chance were checked almost immediately after the restart. Thomas scored his second in the 47th minute, doubling Wingate’s lead and leaving the Pirates needing a substantial response.
Stevens continued to search for a breakthrough, shooting narrowly over in the 54th minute. King then held another Thomas effort, while Jones made an important block as the Pirates worked to prevent the visitors extending their advantage.
Sinclair introduced CJ Kiala for Ahmed just after the hour, and Real Bedford were again denied by the woodwork shortly afterwards. Tee struck the post with a free-kick in the 63rd minute, coming close to providing the goal that would have brought the Pirates back within touching distance. Jordan Ponticelli then replaced Allen as Real Bedford sought a way through.
Instead, Wingate added a third in the 67th minute. Chukwu delivered a cross which was turned into Real Bedford’s own net, leaving the Pirates facing a three-goal deficit.
Jack Snelus replaced Jones as the Pirates continued to look for a consolation. Tee forced a save with a well-struck volley in the 77th minute before making way for Owen Brooks, but Real Bedford could not find the net. Wingate sent a further effort over in stoppage time before the final whistle confirmed the Pirates’ FA Trophy exit.
The Pirates will back in action as Leiston travel to the Ledger Stadium on Tuesday 29th September. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: King (C), Cartwright, Morrell, Mensah, Jones, Simmons, Ahmed, Tee, Stevens, Allen, Hitchcock.
Subs: Richardson, Ponticelli, Kiala, Snelus, Brooks.