Real Bedford Knocked Out Of Fa Trophy On Penalties
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford exit the FA Trophy after a penalty shootout against Alvechurch at Lye Meadow. An equalising strike from Ben Stevens and two penalty saves from King proved to not be enough.
The hosts started the game positively, with Alvechurch taking the lead in the 7th minute. The goal came from the club’s top goal-scorer, Kieran Wakefield, who scored his fourth goal of the season. It was a much-needed goal from Alvechurch, who hadn’t scored in five games prior to this fixture.
Tim Flowers’ side stayed on top after the goal, making it difficult for Real Bedford to find a way back into the game. In the 15th minute, the home side created another good chance through Sullivan, he squared the ball for Ngandu, who couldn’t keep his shot under control. Minutes later, the Pirates had to make a crucial block from a corner.
The Church had another chance with a shot from inside the six-yard box, but Real Bedford managed to counter and should've found the net, but Ahmed shot just wide. The Pirates managed to settle into the game and started to look better. Cartwright had a header on goal, which was saved from a free-kick, and Conor Tee had a shot which was wide in the 37th minute. Real Bedford kept pushing before half-time, but they couldn’t find the equaliser.
Second Half
Rob Sinclair made a change at half-time, with Jack Morrell being replaced by Ben Stevens. It was a big second half incoming for the Pirates.
The second half started fairly evenly, yet super sub Ben Stevens managed to find the equaliser for the Pirates in the 64th minute with his shot having a slight deflection into the net. Real Bedford started to build some real momentum after scoring. Joey Evans had a shot well saved by the goalkeeper. With 15 minutes to go, the Pirates kept applying pressure.
Goal scorer Ben Stevens had a shot which was narrowly wide in the 80th minute, and minutes later the ball dropped to Jones from a corner, but it was defended well. Both teams kept pushing for the winner, and Conor Tee had a headed shot which just went over in added time. The game finished 1-1 and headed to penalties, which would determine who would advance through to the next stage of the Competition.
Ben Stevens missed the first penalty in the shootout, with Alvechurch capitalising on this through a good finish from goal scorer Kieran Wakefield. Goalkeeper King managed to make three crucial saves in a row, but one had to be retaken due to him being off his line, which Alvechurch went on to score. The Pirates had an advantage, but after two misses from, Alvechurch scored the last and advanced through to the next stage of the competition.
Next up for the Pirates is an away game against Bury Town in the Southern League Premier Central on Tuesday. Come down and support the Pirates.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Davies (Richardson 57’), Cartwright, Morrell (Stevens 45’), Hilliard, Tee, Jones (Hitchcock 90’), Weyman, Ahmed (Watkins 66’), Evans.
Alvechurch 1-1 Real Bedford (Alvechurch win 4-3 on penalties)
Saturday 15th November 2025
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Location: Lye Meadow
