Real Bedford Leave It Late to Beat Halesowen Town
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford secured victory over Halesowen Town thanks to a dramatic 96th minute winner from Jack Morrell, watched by a crowd of 1,133.
It was a quiet start to the game, with both sides not creating much. Harry Gray had the first chance of the game in the tenth minute; he had a scissor kick which went just wide. On the other hand, Halesowen had two great chances.
In the 26th minute, the visitors had a header which King saved easily. Real Bedford struggled to find momentum when going forward, but Halesowen were defending well. Just before half-time, Setchell and Gray both missed opportunities. It finished goalless at the break.
Second Half
The Pirates had a positive start after the break; Josh Allen had a shot which was just kept out, and Josh Setchell gave Real Bedford the lead. Ben Stevens sent a perfect ball to Setchell who finished his chance well. In the 62nd minute, Rob Sinclair made his first changes with Ben Weyman and Jack Morrell coming on to replace Archie Jones and Harry Gray.
Pushing to double their lead, Setchell created some space, and he had a shot which was blocked, and Ward made a brilliant challenge to prevent the visitors from getting an equaliser. However, Halesowen Town found an equaliser just moments later.
In the 88th minute, Real Bedford were forced into a change due to an injury; Sam Cartwright came on to replace Lee Watkins. The Pirates threw everything forward in stoppage time in a desperate hunt for a winner. Allen came close, but moments later, Jack Morrell managed to score a dramatic late winner.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“An eventful game, I thought the first half was more of a non-event. I don’t think we were great in the first half, which we spoke about a half-time in terms of how we can try and get on top. I think in the second half as the game opened up, it suited both sides because it became end to end.”
Next up for the Pirates is an away fixture against Kettering Town on Friday, 3rd April.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Davies, Jones (Weyman 62’), Watkins (Cartwright 88’), Tee (Collins 74’), Setchell, Gray (Morrell 62’), Stevens, Allen.
Unused Subs: Hitchcock.
Real Bedford 2-1 Halesowen Town
Saturday 28th March 2026
Kick-Off: 3pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
