Pirates finish strong as play off challenge awaits
By Louie Truman
The Pirates signed off the season with a 3-1 victory over Bromsgrove Sporting. They now turn their attention to the play off semi-final, where they’ll host Kettering Town at The Ledger Stadium on Wednesday 29th.
Real Bedford had an excellent start to the fixture; Josh Allen found the back of the net within the first four minutes. Stevens, with a lovely half-turn touch, played in Allen, who put it into the bottom corner and put the Pirates ahead.
Just minutes later, Setchell made an excellent run down the wing, and he played a great ball to Allen, but he was unable to find his second, putting his chance just wide.
In the 12th minute, Richardson made an excellent tackle to prevent a dangerous attempt, and Allen went on to have an excellent chance which was cleared off the line.
The hosts managed to find the equaliser, Wynney played a ball to Belmonte and he found the back of the net with a volley. Just before half-time, Rob Sinclair’s side managed to dominate possession, and Josh Setchell put the Pirates back in front; Stevens’ volley deflected off Setchell on its path to goal. Real Bedford went into the break 2-1 up.
Second Half
Just after half-time, Jones put some brilliant defensive work in to prevent a goal from the Rouslers. Just one minute later, Jones went onto score; Jones’ first touch from Stevens’ cross set him up perfectly to slot his chance into the bottom corner.
After the third goal, Bromsgrove Sporting started to create multiple high quality chances, as they aimed to get back into the game. In the 63rd minute, Rob Sinclair made his first change with Lee Watkins coming on to replace Drew Richardson. The Pirates took control of the game, pushing to extend their lead.
Substitute Hitchcock came close to meeting Conor Tee’s cross, and Hitchcock tested the keeper with a header at the back post. After three minutes of stoppage time, Real Bedford managed to secure an impressive away win.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“It was an outstanding performance, I think out of possession you couldn’t of asked for more in terms of work rate, tracking runners, winning the first contact, second contact was top level and in possession.
I looked up at the score board and within nine minutes it could have probably been 4-0. We started the game so fast.”
Next up for the Pirates is a home fixture against Kettering in the play off semi-final. Get your home tickets only at Real Coffee in Bedford.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson (Watkins 63’), Cartwright, Davies, Collins (Morrell 64’), Jones (Weyman 71’), Setchell (Galliford 71’), Tee, Stevens, Allen (Hitchcock 76’).
Bromsgrove Sporting 1-3 Real Bedford
Date: Saturday 25th April 2026
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: UK Electrical Stadium
