The Pirates fall just short in their fight for promotion
By Louie Truman
After a successful campaign, Real Bedford were denied a fourth consecutive promotion after a 4-2 extra-time defeat to Spalding United in the Southern League Premier Central Play Off Final.
Spalding had a positive start to the match; they had a shot which forced King into an early save, and the hosts had a header which went just wide. In the 7th minute, Setchell had an effort which was saved, and Cartwright blocked a dangerous cross from Spalding.
The opening fifteen minutes were cagey, with both teams having minimal chances. Moments later, the Pirates had a great spell; Hilliard played a great ball into Weyman’s path, but the keeper beat him to it. Hilliard continued to have an impact; he did well down the wing before his cross was cut out. In the 28th minute, the Tulips had a shout for a penalty, but it was waved away.
King was tested from distance, and the hosts came close again. This time it was deflected wide. Spalding went on to score the opener from a corner; Ceesay was the goal scorer. Just before half-time, the Pirates had a much better spell, winning two free kicks on the edge of the box. The first half ended 1-0 to the hosts.
Second Half
Just after half-time, Spalding had a shot which went just wide. In the 52nd minute, Rob Sinclair made his first change with Tom Hitchcock coming on to replace Jack Davies. Shortly afterwards, Ben Stevens scored the equaliser; Stevens took matters into his own hands as his rocket from the edge of the box found the back of the net. As the Pirates looked to go ahead, they created some good chances; Tee had a shot saved, and he made a run into the box before his cross was blocked.
The game was end-to-end, with both sides creating good chances, including a couple for Spalding. Ward was forced into an excellent tackle, and Hilliard made a well-timed challenge in the box to stop a dangerous threat. The Pirates managed to go ahead; Josh Setchell managed to chest down Tee’s cross and fired it into the bottom corner.
Allen had a chance to double the lead; Allen got past his man before firing his shot over the bar.
In the 90th minute, Sam Cartwright produced an excellent challenge inside the box to deny what looked like a certain goal. However, the referee awarded a penalty to Spalding United and then booked Shaheim Ward in the process… Jack Roberts then stepped up and converted from the spot.
In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Spalding hit the bar and the full-time score ended 2-2, so the match went into extra time.
Extra Time
Spading scored early into the first half of stoppage time; Bart Cybulski scored to put the Tulips 3-2 up. In extra time, Rob Sinclair made a change with Lee Watkins coming on to replace Ben Weyman. In the 95th minute, Conor Tee had a shot which was cleared off the line. The first half of extra time ended 3-2 to Spading.
As the second half started, Conor Tee managed to win a free kick, which unfortunately came to nothing, and Richardson attempted to head the ball. The keeper felt a slight tap and stayed down. Spalding scored their fourth in the 117th minute; Ben Fowkes finished his chance well. After four minutes of stoppage time, it ended 4-2 to the hosts.
Despite the defeat, it was an excellent display from Real Bedford and a great overall campaign.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“Yeah, I’m proud. Look I’m hurting, gutted. Just the effort and the courage the players showed today was incredible, to be 1-0 and to fight back to get that 2-1 lead, just immensely proud with their efforts. They’ve been a pleasure to work with all season.”
Thank you for your support this campaign, we look to go again next season, and need you behind us every step of the way.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Davies (Hitchcock 52’), Hilliard (Collins 111’), Weyman (Watkins 94’), Setchell, Tee, Stevens, Allen.
Unused subs: Galliford, Morrell.
Spalding United 4-2 Real Bedford (AET)
Date: Monday 4th May
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Sir Halley Stewart Field
