The Pirates Secure Another Important Three Points
By Louie Truman
The Pirates managed to maintain their excellent form with a 1-0 win against Stratford Town; Conor Tee was the goal scorer. Real Bedford are currently sitting in third, five points clear of Needham Market, who are just outside the play-offs in sixth.
Real Bedford started the game well, Conor Tee had an immediate impact, making a good run into the box, but the ball went out of play before he put the cross in. During the early stages of the fixture, the Pirates dominated possession.
In the 16th minute, Cartwright made an important interception to stop a Stratford attack. Despite Real Bedford dominating possession, Rob Sinclair’s side struggled to create chances.
The Pirates continued to control possession, and Simmons made a great pass to Stevens, who had an effort which was blocked. The visitors had a chance in the 42nd minute, which was saved by goalkeeper King. After two minutes of stoppage time, the first half ended 0-0.
Second Half
Real Bedford started the second-half well, Stevens put a cross into the box which was headed away, and Davies made an important block which resulted in a Stratford corner. The Pirates managed to find the opener in the 58th minute, Setchell and Jones played it off to each other, before Tee tapped it across the line following Jones’ cross.
Rob Sinclair’s side came close to extending their lead after Stratford’s defender forced his own keeper into a brilliant save. Just minutes later, Stratford had a positive spell, so the Pirates had to defend well.
In the 71st minute, Rob Sinclair made his first changes, Jack Morrell and Lewis Hilliard came on to replace Archie Jones and Elliot Simmons. The Pirates continued to stay disciplined at the back as King made another crucial save. After five minutes of stoppage time, Real Bedford managed to secure an important 1-0 home win.
In his post-match interview, Sinclair said:
“The work rate was at a really good level, which allows you to pin them back and allows us to build and create chances. I thought Stratford had a really good game plan, which was executed well in terms of their low block and bodies behind the ball. We tweaked it a bit at half-time, and I thought that worked.”
Next up for the Pirates is an away game against Bishop's Stortford on Tuesday, 17th of February.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Davies, Cartwright, Simmons (Hilliard 71’), Jones (Morrell 71’), Tee (Weyman 86’), Setchell (Deall 84’), Stevens, Allen (Hitchcock 93’).
Real Bedford 1-0 Stratford Town
Saturday 14th February
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: The Ledger Stadium
