The Pirates Share Points With Needham MArket
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford had to settle for a point, as Needham Market fought back from 2-0 down. Top goalscorer Josh Allen scored himslef a brace.
It was an excellent start from the Pirates as they scored the opener in the first minute; Needham’s keeper kicked the ball at Josh Allen just outside the box, and it deflected in. The visitors had their first shot on target in the eighth minute, but King made a simple save.
The Marketmen went on to create a couple of high-quality chances, and they were unlucky not to score the equaliser after two promising attacks broke down. In the 15th minute, the Pirates couldn’t capitalise on a positive spell of play as Watkins had his shot cleared.
Just two minutes later, Needham had a shot which went well over the bar. Rob Sinclair’s side managed to double their lead in the 20th minute, Josh Allen calmly tapped in his second of the game.
Goalkeeper King made two great saves to prevent a Needham Market goal and Watkins nearly got his head on a cross from Conor Tee. After one minute of stoppage time, the Pirates went into the break 2-0 up.
Second Half
Just after half-time, King made another two excellent saves and Stevens managed to get past two before having a shot which went wide. The visitors managed to get one back, Hammond had a free-kick which Dan Morphew got a touch on to flick it, Cowling managed to react and head it in.
Rob Sinclair made his first changes with Elliot Simmons, Archie Jones, Ben Weyman coming on to replace Lewis Hilliard, Lee Watkins, Josh Setchell. Jones had a positive impact off the bench, he had a chance to shoot, but he played it to Allen who was just offside.
The visitors scored the equaliser in the 86th minute. The points were shared as it finished 2-2.
Next up for the Pirates is an away game against Quorn on Saturday the 7th of March.
Lineup: King, S.Ward, Richardson, Cartwright, Davies, Hilliard (Simmons 66’), Tee (Morrell 72’), Watkins (Jones 66’), Setchell (Weyman 66’), Stevens, Allen (Hitchcock 90’).
Real Bedford 2-2 Needham Market
Tuesday 3rd March
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Location: The Ledger Stadium
