The Pirates come back to win 3-1 at the 12,000 seater sixways stadium
By Will Murray
Real Bedford secured their second consecutive win in the Southern League Premier Central, beating Worcester City 3-1 at Sixways Stadium. Josh Allen, Lewis Hilliard and Archie Jones scored the goals for the Pirates to gain three points on the road for the first time this season.
The hosts got off to a perfect start, going ahead after just four minutes. Kobe Chong’s defence-splitting pass found Kyle Belmonte, who confidently tucked home past Tyler McGregor.
Their lead was nearly doubled a few minutes later when Liam Lockett’s cross from the right wing found an unmarked Chong in the box, but his header went over the bar.
After a nervy start to the game, the Pirates found their feet in the middle of the first-half, creating chances through Jones and Ben Stevens.
The pressure from the Pirates told, with Allen equalising after 29 minutes. After some sharp play on the right wing, Josh Setchell found his way into the box and cut the ball back to the number 19, who tapped home from close range.
Worcester came close to regaining their lead just before the break, with Dan Sweeney’s effort from a corner going inches wide.
Second Half
Rob Sinclair’s side flew out of the traps in the second half and went into the lead through Hilliard in the 49th minute. A Stevens corner was not fully cleared by the Worcester defence, and the new signing latched onto the bouncing ball, guiding his right-footed effort into the bottom corner.
After Hilliard’s strike, the game opened up with both teams having chances. Allen and Lee Watkins came close for the Pirates, while Musa Ceesay’s curling effort just after the hour mark narrowly missed the target.
Real Bedford’s defence stood firm, though, and in the 69th minute, the deficit was doubled through Jones. A quick counter attack saw Conor Tee play through Jones, who tucked his first-time effort under Harley Price.
The Pirates made several changes in the late stages, including Elliot Simmons, making his debut and Mo Ahmed coming on for Tee in the 98th minute. This was Ahmed’s first appearance in over a year for the club, and we are delighted to see him back after suffering from a long-term injury.
Despite some Worcester pressure in the closing stages, Real Bedford held on to secure a crucial three points, lifting them to 13th in the table.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“I thought in the first 15, 20 minutes, we didn’t really start. Once we got a foothold in the game, we dominated for large parts and created numerous chances.
We came out in the second half at a real fast pace and then when you go 3-1 up, it’s about defending your lead, which the boys did superbly. So, I'm really proud of the performance.”
Next up for the Pirates is an away game against Banbury United in the Southern League Premier Central on Tuesday 23rd September.
Lineup: McGregor, S. Ward, Richardson, Morrell, Hilliard, Stevens (Weyman 81’), Watkins, Jones (Simmons 72’), Tee (Ahmed 90+8), Setchell (Soile 90+2), Allen (Hitchcock 87’).
Worcester City 1-3 Real Bedford
Saturday 20th September 2025
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Location: Sixways Stadium
