Pirates Impress in Victory Over Banbury United
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford put in a fantastic display as they secured a well-deserved 3-1 home win against Banbury United. It was an impressive performance from the Pirates, marked by clinical finishing from Ben Stevens, Josh Allen and Sam Cartwright.
During the opening stages of the game, it was fairly balanced with neither side managing to create clear chances. Both Real Bedford and Banbury were sharing control of the ball without truly testing either goalkeeper.
The visitors had the first real chance of the game when Alex Worley curled an effort from 25 yards, which hit the top of the bar. Just minutes later, Josh Allen did brilliantly to break past the final line of the Banbury defence before his shot was saved.
The Pirates began to take control of the game. The final ten minutes of the first half saw Rob Sinclair’s side dictate the tempo, applying pressure and controlling much of the possession. The first half ended 0-0, with the Pirates looking to take control again in the second half.
Second Half
Real Bedford had an excellent start to the second half with Ben Stevens scoring another, with his curling strike, in the 48th minute to give Rob Sinclair’s side a 1-0 lead. Moments later, Real Bedford’s top goal scorer, Josh Allen, scored his tenth goal of the season, which doubled the lead. It was a fantastic attack as Conor Tee received a pin-point cross from Richardson, who then pulled it back for Allen.
After taking a 2-0 lead, the Pirates continued to press forward, looking dangerous as they looked for a third goal. In the 65th minute, Cartwright had his header saved off the line, and Josh Allen continued to look dangerous; he broke free, but the flag went up.
The Puritans managed to get a goal back as Ferguson delivered a long throw, which was flicked on to an unmarked Chris Wreh, who had an easy finish past King. Sinclair made his first change in the 73rd minute, with Archie Jones being replaced by Ben Weyman.
The Pirates managed to add to their lead with an excellent strike from Sam Cartwright. Ben Stevens’ floated corner was caught perfectly by Cartwright. Real Bedford went on to dominate the game in the final stages. Evans almost added a fourth, but the visitors’ keeper was brave off his line. In the 89th minute, Conor Tee delivered another excellent cross, but no one was there to meet it; the game finished 3-1 to Real Bedford.
Next up for the Pirates is an away game against Leiston on Saturday, 29th November.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Simmons (Hilliard 92’), Morrell (Davies 76’), Tee, Watkins, Jones (Weyman 73’), Stevens (Hitchcock 92’), Allen (Evans 80’)
Real Bedford 3-1 Banbury United
Tuesday 25th November 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
