Real Bedford Fall Just Short in Narrow Defeat to Kettering Town
By Louie Truman
The Pirates were unable to take anything from their trip to Kettering Town, despite Ben Stevens’ 60th-minute equaliser, as the game finished 2-1 to the hosts.
The first chance of the game fell to Kettering; the Poppies had a free kick in a dangerous area, but Real Bedford defended well. The hosts went on to create another excellent opportunity; An awkward ball nearly found the back of the Real Bedford net.
Real Bedford started to grow into the game, Setchell and Jones linked up well down the right-hand side, but it didn’t lead to anything. Just moments later, Hilliard had a shot which went just wide. Despite this, Kettering took the lead in the 18th minute. William Van Lier scored his first goal for the club. Five minutes later, the hosts went close to doubling their lead. Isaacson had a shot which was deflected and pushed away by King. Thanoj was unable to convert the rebound, sending it wide.
Kettering had shouts for a penalty, but they were waved away, Stevens made a promising run, but the hosts defended well. After four minutes of stoppage time, the first half finished 1-0 to Kettering.
Second Half
Just after half-time, the Poppies had another excellent chance, but the Pirates cleared it off the line, the second goal-line clearance of the match. In the 58th minute, Rob Sinclair made his first changes with Conor Tee coming on to replace Jack Morrell. Ben Stevens scored the equaliser, his 12th goal of the season, after Kettering’s goalkeeper fired a clearance straight at him, allowing Stevens to lob the keeper.
Despite Real Bedford equalising, Kettering regained the lead just minutes later. Eddie Panter managed to convert from the penalty spot. In search for the equaliser, Setchell made a great run down the wing, but his cross didn't find anyone. King made two excellent back-to-back saves to keep Real Bedford in the match. Ben Stevens had an effort from range that came to nothing and fired another in the 93rd minute that went just wide. After six minutes of stoppage time, it ended 2-1 to the hosts.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“Obviously it’s a disappointing result, but I’m really proud of the performance. I thought the boys left everything out there and that’s all you can ask. They had the courage to play our way; we just couldn't find the openings.”
Next up for the Pirates is a home fixture against Bishop's Stortford on Monday the 6th of April. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Morrell (Tee 58’), Hilliard, Jones, Setchell, Watkins (Weyman 70’), Stevens, Allen.
Unused Subs: Davies, Gray, Collins.
Kettering Town 2-1 Real Bedford
Date: Friday 3rd April
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: Latimer Park
