Real Bedford Bow Out of the Bedfordshire County Cup
The Pirates suffer a shock early exit from the Bedfordshire County Cup, with a second-half Biggleswade penalty proving the difference.
Real Bedford 0-1 Biggleswade FC
Bedfordshire County Cup - First Round
Real Bedford had a positive start to the fixture; Brooks made a promising run down the wing before the ball was forced out of play. The visitors had a chance in the Pirates' box which went wide, and Howard had to come off his line to prevent a one-on-one opportunity.
In the 21st minute, O'Keefe was unlucky not to find the back of the net. His chance just got tipped over the bar. Kiala also went close, but the goal keeper made a good save.
The Pirates were able to continue their momentum and create multiple good chances. Kiala bombed the wing and cut it back to Hitchcock, whose effort went just wide. Stevens’ strike was blocked twice before heading for a corner.
Summer signing Kiala continued to look dangerous, he timed his run to perfection, but his shot was kept out. Just before half-time, Simmons did well to clear a chance from the visitors.
Following two minutes of stoppage time, the first half ended 0-0. Both sides had chances, but Real Bedford dominated possession.
Second half
Just after half-time, Biggleswade had a great chance, but it was well blocked by Brooks. Biggleswade went on to create another good chance, which just went over.
Alex Marsh gave Biggleswade the lead from the spot, after a penalty was given during a corner, for unknown reasons. He converted his penalty, straight down the middle. In the 68th minute, Rob Sinclair made his first changes with Mo Ahmed coming onto replace Owen Brooks.
In search of the equaliser, O'Keefe had a shot which went just wide. However, Biggleswade also missed a huge opportunity to prevent them from going 2-0 up. Howard was forced into making two good saves to keep Real Bedford in it.
With time running out, Rob Sinclair made another change. Sam Collins came onto replace the injured Jack Morrell. The Pirates had to defend well to prevent the visitors from scoring a second. Following four minutes of stoppage time, it ended 1-0 to Biggleswade FC, and the Pirates knocked out of the Bedfordshire County Cup.
The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday with a home fixture against Redditch United. Come down and support the Pirates, as we look to bounce back. Get you tickets here.
Lineup: Howard, Cartwright, Richardson (C), Morrell, Simmons, O'Keefe, Kiala, Brooks, Stevens, Jones, Hitchcock.
Subs: Ponticelli, Snelus, Ahmed, Collins, Thanoj.