Sinclair reflects on winning week ahead of FA Trophy test
Rob Sinclair has praised his side’s resilience and performances over a successful run of three consecutive victories, as attention now turns to Saturday’s FA Trophy clash with Wingate & Finchley.
The Pirates have faced three very different tests since their last home outing, beginning with a 2-1 victory over Redditch United. Real Bedford fell behind inside the opening 30 seconds but responded strongly, controlling possession and eventually finding the goals required to complete the turnaround.
“Our response was excellent,” Sinclair said. “We remained calm, dominated possession and controlled the game before finding the goals we deserved.”
Attention then turned to the FA Cup, where Real Bedford overcame a difficult tie against Harleston Town to book their place in the next round. Sinclair acknowledged that his side were not necessarily at their best but was pleased with the way they found a route through the contest.
“Not every victory will come from playing at our very best, and sometimes cup football is simply about overcoming the challenge in front of you,” he explained.
The reward is an away trip to Chesham United in the next round, but before then, the Pirates produced arguably their standout display of the week with an emphatic 4-1 victory away at Stourbridge on Tuesday night.
Sinclair described the performance as “sensational”, highlighting both his players’ confidence in possession and their relentless work without the ball.
“To score four goals and dominate the game in the way we did was incredible,” he said. “The courage the players showed with the ball, combined with their intensity and work rate out of possession, was everything we want our team to represent. I was immensely proud of every one of them.”
After three victories in quick succession, the focus now switches to the FA Trophy and the visit of Wingate & Finchley. Sinclair is expecting another different challenge and has stressed the importance of maintaining the standards demonstrated in recent performances.
“The challenge now is to reproduce those standards,” he added. “Wingate & Finchley will bring a different test, and we know we must approach the FA Trophy with the right mentality."
“We want to keep progressing, but that will require another committed performance from the whole group.”
Sinclair also reserved a final word for the travelling supporters who made the journey to Harleston and Stourbridge in midweek, thanking them for their backing and calling for another strong atmosphere for the FA Trophy fixture.
“Your support was greatly appreciated by all the players and staff. Please get behind the team again and help us take another step forward in this competition.”
Get your tickets for our FA Trophy fixture against Wingate & Finchley here.
