Relentless Real Bedford March On With Fifth Straight Win
By Louie Truman
The Pirates have secured the maximum 15 points from their last five matches, capped by a 2–1 away victory over Royston Town. This result puts them five points clear of the play-offs, and extends their winning run to five; the goal scorers were Josh Allen and Josh Setchell.
Real Bedford started the game well and had the majority of possession, but the hosts had a good early chance. It was a great run from Avgoustidis, but Harness didn’t take his chance. The Crows scored the opener in the ninth minute; Adam Murray managed to get his head on a free-kick that came from Brad Smith.
Just minutes later, the Pirates managed to get a penalty, Josh Allen managed to convert from the spot after Jones was brought down, and make the game level. Rob Sinclair’s side went on to create a couple of good chances. Setchell put a good cross into the box, but nobody could meet it, and Jones managed to get into a brilliant position, but he slipped before he could have an effort on goal.
The Pirates continued to add pressure, goal scorer Josh Allen was unlucky not to score his second of the game, and Stevens had two efforts blocked. In the 40th minute, Josh Setchell put Real Bedford ahead after his shot went off the post and in. After four minutes of stoppage time, the Pirates went into the break ahead.
Second Half
Royston Town started the second half well, and goalkeeper King made a brave punch which stopped a dangerous cross. Just moments later, King was called into action again, making another important save. In the 55th minute, Jones had an excellent chance to increase Real Bedford’s lead. His shot smashed the post.
Real Bedford started to control the game. Setchell and Stevens linked up well down the wing; Setchell had a shot, which was blocked. In the 70th minute, Rob Sinclair made his first changes of the afternoon with Conor Tee and Ben Weyman coming on to replace Josh Setchell and Archie Jones.
In the 86th minute, King made another excellent save, which kept Real Bedford ahead. The Pirates managed to dominate possession and work the ball into the box, but it was cleared. King was called once more and made another excellent save in the 93rd minute. After five minutes of stoppage time, Real Bedford managed to secure an excellent 2-1 away win.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“At half-time, I said to the boys that what will win them the game is how hard they run. In the first half, their work rate and running were outstanding, and that was matched in the second half. Royston had a spell towards the end when they were putting long balls into the box.”
Next up for the Pirates is a home game against Stratford Town on Saturday 14th February, with a Bitcoin Meeup ahead of the match. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Morrell, Cartwright, Watkins, Jones (Weyman 70’) , Hilliard, Setchell (Tee 70’), Stevens (Davies 80’), Allen (Deall 88’).
Unused subs: Hitchcock
Royston Town 1-2 Real Bedford
Saturday 7th February
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Garden Walk
