Pirates fight back at Anstey to return to winning ways
Real Bedford recovered from an early setback to secure a 2-1 victory away to Anstey Nomads, with Kyran Wiltshire and Jordan Ponticelli scoring as the Pirates ended a run of three consecutive league defeats.
Anstey Nomads 1-2 Real Bedford
Southern League Premier Central
The opening exchanges immediately tested Real Bedford’s defence. Inside two minutes, the Pirates were forced into three clearances off the line as Anstey threatened to make an early breakthrough.
Oscar Tonge opened the scoring in the third minute, leaving Real Bedford with another early deficit to overturn following Saturday’s difficult afternoon at Worcester City.
The Pirates gradually began to create opportunities of their own. Ben Stevens broke free in the 14th minute, but his effort took a deflection and was caught by the home goalkeeper.
Callum Kane then delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, although no Real Bedford player could make contact. A minute later, CJ Kiala seized on a misplaced goal-kick, only for his subsequent delivery to go into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Anstey were forced into an early change, with Wauchope replacing Bastos, before Real Bedford found their equaliser shortly before the half-hour mark.
Making his first start for the Pirates, Wiltshire marked the occasion with his first goal. A scramble inside the penalty area ended with the midfielder getting the ball home in the 29th minute. It was an important reward for Real Bedford’s response to the opening setback.
The Pirates continued to threaten after drawing level. Kiala’s effort reached Ponticelli in front of goal in the 38th minute, but an offside flag halted the attack.
Wiltshire was involved again four minutes later, setting up Stevens for an effort that was saved. Real Bedford also had defensive work to do before the interval, producing an important block inside the box in the 44th minute to ensure the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Second half
The Pirates needed another crucial intervention shortly after the restart. Drew Richardson cleared off the line in the 53rd minute, preventing Anstey from restoring their advantage and keeping the contest finely balanced.
A lengthy injury stoppage followed, with the hosts eventually introducing Gill for Gibbens. Rob Sinclair then made a double change on the hour, bringing Josh Setchell and Conor Tee on for Kiala and Kane.
Real Bedford came close to taking the lead two minutes later when Archie Jones’ effort was tipped over. The Pirates were building towards a breakthrough, and it arrived in the 69th minute through Ponticelli.
Stevens supplied an excellent ball to the forward, whose first touch brought it under control and set up the finish. Ponticelli then tapped home to put Real Bedford ahead for the first time, completing the turnaround after Tonge’s early opener.
Richardson was booked shortly afterwards, before Jack Davies replaced Jones in the 73rd minute as Sinclair made another adjustment.
Anstey introduced Grantham for Liversidge, but Real Bedford still threatened to extend their lead. Stevens was denied again in the 78th minute, leaving the Pirates with a slender advantage to protect through the closing stages.
The hosts made further changes, bringing Kirby-Moore on for Poole and Bouch on for Smith. Wiltshire, who would later be named Real Bedford’s man of the match, received a yellow card in the 86th minute.
There was one final scare in added time. Craig King’s clearance struck an Anstey striker and deflected narrowly wide in the 91st minute, leaving the Pirates relieved to see the ball stay out.
Real Bedford held on to secure all three points and ended a run of three consecutive league defeats.
The Pirates return to The Ledger Stadium on Saturday 7th November, as they welcome Rushall Olympic for another first meeting. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: King, Morrell, Richardson (C), Cartwright, Collins, Jones, Wiltshire, Kane, Kiala, Stevens, Ponticelli.
Subs: Allen, Tee, Setchell, Burrell, Davies.