The Pirates Make it Three Wins in a Row
By Louie Truman
The Pirates have made it three wins from three, with two clean sheets in their last two outings, which puts them third in the table. Josh Allen and Ben Stevens scored for Real Bedford.
Real Bedford started the game more positively than the visitors; both Stevens and Allen had shots on target within the first seven minutes. The Pirates continued to look dangerous; they created a good pattern of play, but the attack broke down. Sporting were forced into an early change due to an injury, Rowley was replaced by Sanches in the 14th minute.
The visitors started to settle into the game, Sporting started to create a couple of chances, and Setchell did well to shield a ball on the edge of the box before getting it cleared. The Rouslers also went close in the 26th minute, Jones had a shot from range, which went narrowly wide.
Real Bedford managed to open the scoring through Josh Allen. It was a great pinged ball to Setchell on the right from Richardson, who dribbled into the box and passed the ball back to Allen, who had an easy finish.
Due to a floodlight issue, there was a lengthy 25-minute stoppage time. Rob Sinclair’s side managed to defend well and go into the break 1-0 up.
Second Half
In the 55th minute, Ward played a ball through to Setchell, who managed to beat one man before having a shot blocked.
Ben Stevens managed to double Real Bedford’s lead; it was Conor Tee who put in a cross, which Stevens touched and finished well. Rob Sinclair made his first change in the 60th minute, Jack Davies came on to replace Archie Jones.
The Pirates continued to defend well. Richardson made a perfectly timed challenge to prevent the visitors’ striker from breaking away, and he made another crucial tackle in the 76th minute.
Real Bedford’s top goal scorer, Josh Allen, found himself with a stroke of luck as the ball dropped to him in front of goal, but the visitors kept his effort out.
Rio Deall came on to replace Josh Setchell in the 82nd minute, and he had an immediate impact, making a great run down the wing before crossing into the box, but the cross was blocked. The Pirates continued to control the game, and they secured an impressive 2-0 home win.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“The three wins are very important, and the performance tonight was outstanding, from minute one to ninety, we dominated the ball and created multiple chances. On another day, the scoreline could have been higher.”
Next up for the Pirates is another home game, against Worcester City on January 24th. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Morrell, Watkins (Simmons 86’), Tee (Weyman 77’), Jones (Davies 60’), Setchell (Deall 82’), Stevens, Allen (Hitchcock 90’)
Real Bedford 2-0 Bromsgrove Sporting
Tuesday 20th January
Kick-off: 19:45pm
Location: The Ledger Stadium
