Real Bedford Claim Important Away Points Against Sudbury
By Louie Truman
The Pirates returned to football as they secured three points away to Sudbury at the Elite Travel Stadium. A demanding few weeks loom as postponed matches are made up. Josh Allen, Josh Setchell and Archie Jones scored for the Pirates.
The game started quite cagey; both teams took only a few risks. Real Bedford’s first good chance came from a Conor Tee delivery, which was almost tapped in by a Sudbury player. Conor Tee had another good chance just minutes later; Josh Allen put a good ball across, but Tee put his effort just wide.
The Pirates continued applying the pressure, having a couple of good chances. Setchell managed to get past multiple defenders and played Allen through, but his effort was saved. In the 34th minute, Josh Allen opened the scoring. Watkins sent Stevens down the wing, whose cross landed perfectly for Allen to finish.
The club’s top goal scorer, Josh Allen, has 13 goals to his name this season. Just moments later, Allen made another good run, but the flag went up. Just before half-time, Morrell hit the bar with his cross; the first half finished 1-0 to the Pirates.
Second Half
The hosts had a better start to the second half; they had a shot which went just wide. In the 53rd minute, Josh Allen looked dangerous again. He had an excellent first touch, which set him up well, but his shot went wide. The Pirates continued to control the game, with Stevens hitting the bar.
Rob Sinclair made his first change in the 67th minute, with Jack Morrell being replaced by Archie Jones. Josh Setchell doubled Real Bedford’s lead. It was great link-up play as Allen put the ball into the box, and Setchell was there to tap it home. Just after the goal, Archie Jones had an immediate impact off the bench and got his name on the scoresheet, which put the Pirates three goals ahead.
Kien Connolly got a goal for the hosts, but it wasn’t enough for them to get back into the game. Rob Sinclair’s side managed to secure a 3-1 away win.
Next up for the Pirates is an away fixture against Barwell on Saturday, the 17th of January.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Davies (Cartwright 80’), Morrell (Jones 67’), Hilliard, Tee, Watkins (Weyman 75’), Setchell, Stevens (Hitchcock 82’), Allen (Evans 82’)
AFC Sudbury 1-3 Real Bedford
Tuesday 13th January
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Location: The Elite Travel Stadium
