Real Bedford edge past Alvechurch 3-2 to seal their play-off spot
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford secured all three points in a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Alvechurch, with Josh Allen netting a 93rd-minute winner. The result confirms a third-place finish and a play-off spot for Rob Sinclair’s side.
The Pirates started the game well; Setchell had two crosses cleared, and Collins had an effort which was blocked. In the 14th minute, Alvechurch had their first chance as the ball went across the box. Just moments later, Real Bedford were forced into an early change, Lee Watkins came on to replace injured Lewis Hilliard.
Real Bedford continued to add pressure; Jones had a shot that hit the post, and Stevens had a shot which went just over. In the 31st minute, Tee tried his luck from a distance, while Setchell also got an effort away that was stopped by a defender. Josh Allen managed to open the scoring. It was a good cross, which Tee got on the end of, but the ball fell loose, and Allen found the back of the net.
Just before half-time, the visitors went close, and the visitors scored the equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Manny Ilesanmi found the back of the net from an excellent cross.
Second Half
At the start of the second half, Alvechurch had an attempt which went over the bar. As the Pirates looked to go ahead, Jones had an effort which was kept out, and Setchell was denied at the near post after Stevens and Setchell combined well.
In the 56th minute, Ben Stevens picked the ball up in the box, and his shot went through the keepers' legs and found the back of the net. Rob Sinclair made another change, Jack Davies came on to replace Sam Collins.
In search for the equaliser, Alvechurch created a couple of great chances; Ward had to make a clearance off the line, and King made a good save. The visitors scored the equaliser; brilliant build up play, led to Jez Abbey finding the back of the net. The Pirates managed to find the winner in the 93rd minute; Tee put a cross in, and Allen drilled it low into the corner to secure the winner.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“Obviously, I think we’ve had a habit of scoring late which is a good thing. It shows the group have got the fitness to keep going and the belief to go and get a winner. We spoke about it, you can’t come off it at any level if you do then you get punished, and I think that’s what happened at the end of the first half.”
Next up for the Pirates is an away fixture against Bromsgrove Sporting, which is the last league game before the play-offs.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Hilliard (Watkins 21’), Collins (Davies 67’), Jones (Weyman 77’), Setchell (Morrell 83’), Tee, Stevens (Hitchcock 85’), Allen.
Real Bedford 3-2 Alvechurch
Date: Saturday 18th April 2026
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
