Real Bedford secure spot in play off final
By Louie Truman
The Pirates produced an impressive performance to overcome Kettering Town 3-1, in front of a 1,593 crowd, with goals from Josh Setchell, Conor Tee and Sam Cartwright. They now head to Spalding United for the Play Off Final.
It was an electric atmosphere as Real Bedford faced Kettering in the play off semi-final. Real Bedford had an excellent start to the fixture; Josh Setchell found the back of the net from kick-off. Setchell latched onto a rebound and scored instantly, deflating Kettering within seconds.
Just minutes later, Allen played a brilliant cross to the back post which was just headed away. Richardson was unlucky not to double the lead; his header went just wide.
In the 23rd minute, Allen, Setchell and Jones had a brilliant spell, but it broke down. Moments later, Kettering had their first proper chance, which went just over the bar. As the Pirates looked to double their lead, Conor Tee had an effort which was just cleared off the line.
Rob Sinclair’s side had another dangerous counter which was shut down by solid defending from the Poppies. Just before half-time, Mensah went down in the box, but the referee waved the penalty claims away. The Pirates went into the break a confident 1-0 up.
Second Half
Rob Sinclair made his first change at half-time, with Ben Weyman coming on to replace Archie Jones. Just four minutes into the second half, Real Bedford doubled their lead. Weyman played it to Setchell, whose excellent cross was met by Conor Tee to score the second.
In the 59th minute, King came off his line to clear a pass excellently. The Pirates went on to receive a penalty, but Allen had his penalty saved.
In the 66th minute, Ward was forced into a brilliant challenge, but Kettering managed to find the back of the net moments later. Eddie Panter found the back of the net into the bottom corner. With Kettering chasing the equaliser; the Pirates had to defend well.
Sam Cartwright managed to score the third, which made it 3-1. It wasn’t the cleanest goal, but it didn’t matter as Cartwright turned it in from the floor, and restored the Pirates’ confidence.
Real Bedford created a couple more good opportunities, but they were unable to score a fourth. The Pirates secured a 3-1 win after six minutes of stoppage time.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“Yeah, incredible just the performance and everything did it. The work rate was an all-time high this season. The courage, risk and bravery in terms of how we played against Kettering who went full on press.”
The Pirates will now travel to Spalding United on Monday 4th May as they look to make history and secure a fourth promotion in a row.
Get your tickets for the fixture here. We’re also running a supporters’ coach for the trip, spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your place here.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Davies, Hilliard, Jones (Weyman 46’), Setchell (Watkins 88’), Tee (Morrell 82’), Stevens (Collins 90+4’), Allen.
Unused subs: Hitchcock.
Real Bedford 3-1 Kettering Town
Date: Wednesday 29th April
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
