REAL BEDFORD CLAIM A VITAL POINT AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford clinched a point after a close match, away at Spalding United. The club’s top goal scorer, Josh Allen, got on the scoresheet along with Drew Richardson and Ben Stevens.
United had the better start to the game; they looked dangerous, but the Pirates defence did well to prevent a dangerous ball through.
Following this, the Pirates looked better. Conor Tee’s cross went into the hands of Wilks, and Allen hit the bar. Shortly after, Jones had an effort blocked, and Conor Tee had a shot which just went over.
Josh Allen managed to open the scoring, Ward did well to play out the back before laying off Tee, his cross into the box was spilt for Allen to tap in and give the Pirates the lead.
Just before half-time, Spalding had a header which went straight into the hands of King, however, they managed to find the equaliser just after through Cybulski, just before the break.
Second Half
Just after half-time, the hosts hit the post and were unlucky not to lead. In the 50th minute, United found the breakthrough with an Alfie Bendle goal. The Pirates were unlucky not to find the equaliser just after, with Jones smashing the post.
Ben Stevens also had an effort which was blocked off the line. The Pirates kept on pushing, Drew Richardson managed to find the equaliser; he rose tallest in the box, and scored through a header from a corner. Shortly after the goal, Ben Stevens put Rob Sinclair’s side ahead. Stevens’ ball into the box swerved into the top corner, giving the Pirates the lead.
In the 71st minute, Rob Sinclair made his first change, Ben Weyman came on to replace Archie Jones. Just after this, King made an excellent save, but United scored the equaliser in the 79th minute.
Rob Sinclair made another change with Deall and Davies coming on to replace Setchell and Simmons. In the 84th minute, the hosts received a red card after a horrible foul on Craig King in the box. With the hosts down to ten men, Real Bedford continued to push for a winner during the eight minutes of added time.
Ben Weyman had a final shot, which just went wide. The game finished 3-3, and the points were shared.
Next up for the Pirates is a home game against St Ives Town on Saturday, 27th December. Come down and support the Pirates. Get your tickets here.
Line-up: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Simmons (Davies 83’), Jones (Weyman 71’), Tee, Watkins, Setchell (Deall 83’), Stevens, Allen (Evans 89’).
Unused subs: Morrell.
Spalding United 3-3 Real Bedford
Saturday 20th December 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Sir Halley Stewart Field
