Pirates’ FA Cup run ends after seven-goal contest at Chesham
Real Bedford’s FA Cup campaign came to an end at The Meadow as the Pirates suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat against National League South side Chesham United in the Third Qualifying Round.
Chesham United 4-3 Real Bedford
FA Cup - Third Qualifying Round
The hosts started strongly, with Craig King called into action almost immediately. The Real Bedford goalkeeper made an early save before producing another excellent intervention inside five minutes, keeping out Hisham Kasimu as Chesham threatened to make their pressure count. Further defensive blocks helped the Pirates withstand the opening spell.
Real Bedford then fashioned a significant opportunity of their own. CJ Kiala fired over from close range, while Jordan Ponticelli subsequently tested Ben Goode with an effort from distance. Stevens was also involved in the Pirates’ attacking play, looking to release Josh Allen before sending a long-range shot wide.
The breakthrough arrived for Chesham in the 31st minute. Mitch Weiss won possession high up the pitch and supplied Dubem Eze, who struck from around 25 yards into the far corner to give the hosts the lead.
The Pirates’ response was immediate. Just three minutes later, Stevens delivered into the penalty area and Cartwright arrived at the back post to convert, bringing Real Bedford level and ensuring Chesham’s advantage was short-lived.
Cartwright was soon involved at the other end, blocking on the line after an excellent tackle from Drew Richardson. Real Bedford also went close to taking the lead when Kiala threatened at the back post, only for Goode to reach the ball before he could apply the finish.
However, Chesham regained the advantage shortly before half-time. King could not hold Eze’s low strike, and Kasimu reacted quickest to finish the rebound, sending the Pirates into the interval trailing 2-1.
Second half
The opening minutes of the second half proved difficult for Real Bedford. King rushed off his line to disrupt a chance before Chesham struck the post. In the 52nd minute, Jayden Bennetts seized possession as the Pirates attempted to play out from defence and finished past King to make it 3-1.
Real Bedford continued searching for a route back. Kiala and Allen combined to win a corner, Richardson tested Goode from the edge of the box and Elliott Simmons sent an effort over. King also kept the deficit at two with another important save before Archie Jones replaced Simmons in the 64th minute.
Ponticelli came close to reducing the arrears with a strike from the edge of the area, but Goode stretched to tip his effort over the bar. The Pirates kept pushing, and their persistence eventually brought a superb second goal.
In the 84th minute, Stevens cut inside from the left and curled an outstanding effort into the top corner. The finish brought Real Bedford within one goal and gave the Pirates renewed hope heading into the closing stages.
Chesham struck again in the 90th minute, however. Karl Oliyide kept the ball in play near the touchline and picked out Alex Babos, whose volley restored the hosts’ two-goal advantage.
Even then, Real Bedford refused to stop. After a late handball appeal was waved away, Conor Tee crossed for Jones to finish from close range in stoppage time, reducing the deficit to 4-3. There was no time to find another equaliser, with the goal coming virtually with the final action of the match.
The defeat ends a campaign that brought victories over Royston Town and Harleston Town. Despite three goals and a determined late response at The Meadow, the Pirates fell just short against their higher-division opponents.
The Pirates will back in league action as they face 3rd placed Bromsgrove Sporting at the Ledger Stadium. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: King, Cartwright, Richardson, Morrell, Thanoj, Simmons, Kiala, Tee, Stevens, Allen, Ponticelli.
Subs: Hitchcock, Jones, Snelus, Ahmed, Davies.