Real Bedford Meet Bedford Town in County Cup Final
By Louie Truman
The Pirates advance to the County Cup final, where they will fce neighbours Bedford Town, after a 2-1 Semi-Final win against Leighton Town; Ben Stevens and Tom Hitchcock were the goal scorers.
Before the match, we will held a minute’s silence in remembrance of Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin, who tragically passed away on Saturday 7th March.
Ben Stevens had the first chance of the game, which was a free kick that got saved, and the Pirates went on to dominate possession.
Rob Sinclair’s side had a couple of chances, Conor Tee had a shot which was saved, and Ben Stevens had a shot on target. Stevens managed to open the scoring, he received the ball at the edge of the box, and he finished his chance well.
The Pirates went into the break 1-0 up after a dominant half.
Second Half
Goalscorer Ben Stevens had a shot from range in the 50th minute and Rob Sinclair was forced into a change due to Rio Deall picking up an injury; Archie Jones came on to replace Deall.
In the 57th minute, Jones put a brilliant ball into the box, but no one could get on the end of it. Tom Hitchcock managed to double the lead; it was great play as Galliford played Stevens through who passed to Hitchcock to finish.
Leighton started to get back into the game; they had a great chance in the 73rd minute, which hit the post. Just two minutes later, the Pirates had an excellent chance, Jack Morrell had a volley which smashed the crossbar.
The visitors managed to find a goal in the 81st minute, Sydney put a cross into the box and Tolu found the back of the net. However, it finished 2-1 and the Pirates secured their place in the County Cup final, where they face Bedford Town.
Next up for the Pirates is a huge away game against Harborough Town on Saturday the 14th of March.
Lineup: King, Davies, Cartwright, Morrell, Hilliard (Watkins 72’), Weyman, Tee, Deall (Jones 53’), Galliford (Allen 84’), Stevens, Hitchcock.
Unused Subs: Richardson, Setchell.
Real Bedford 2-1 Leighton Town
Tuesday 10th March 2026
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
