2023 Review in Numbers
The Pirates first full year proved highly successful with McMullen Park becoming the place to go for thrilling football in 2023!
McMullen Park welcomed many new faces through the turnstiles throughout this last year. Over 5,000 fans attended Real Bedford fixtures with over 8,000 fans tuning in to livestreams of games around the world!
Both the Men’s and Ladies’ sides hit record high crowds, with Rob Sinclair’s side facing Stansted FC in front of 471 Real Bedford supporters.
On the atmosphere at McMullen Park, Rob Sinclair said:
“The fans have become the heartbeat of the club over the last year, their support has been crucial to our success. The squad really feed off the noise that McMullen Park brings and over the last few months especially, it’s been taken to a new level.”
A view of the main stand on The Pirates record-reaching match with Stansted FC
On the field, the Men’s side have outshone competition, leading to incredible match statistics. The Pirates bagged 141 goals over just 37 games in 2023, with Ben Stevens leading the charge having contributed 29 of those goals over the course of this season.
Stevens has recorded 29 goals already in the 2023/24 campaign
Rob Sinclair’s men have also been assured at the back. Keeping 22 clean sheets across the calendar year.
After a fantastic back end of the 2022/23 season, Real Bedford secured a Cup double, winning both the League trophy and the Senior County Cup.
After beating Elstow Abbey 6-0 in the Final, Ben Walsh holds the Senior Beds County Cup up high
Real Bedford Ladies have a record breaking start to their inaugural campaign with a flawless league performance.
Tash Fensome, Real Bedford Ladies’ top scorer, has bagged 20 goals in just 15 games
Having only fallen short to Tier 3 Billericay in a defiant FA Cup run, Real Bedford Ladies have won every other game scoring a whopping 75 goals in the process!
Interim Manager Georgia Clarke said:
“It’s been an incredible start to the season, the squad have shown class and character in every game we have played. It hasn’t been easy, but the squad continue to improve and impress heading into the back-end of this season.”
Sitting atop the Eastern Region Women’s Football League, The Pirates are in prime position to go up, after boasting a 93% win rate in 2023.
With crowds of over 200 at McMullen Park for Ladies games, including a record number to the opening clash with Stevenage, Real Bedford Ladies are set for an impressive first full year in Bitcoin Orange.
ABOUT REAL BEDFORD FC
Real Bedford FC is a non-league football club based in Bedford. Acquired by Peter McCormack in 2021, he set the ambitious goal of getting the team into the football league. After rebranding as Real Bedford, they won a league and cup double in their first season and have been promoted to the Spartan South Midlands Premier League.
The club prides itself on its strong and growing community ties and dedication to developing local talent. With a focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, Real Bedford FC aims to create opportunities for aspiring footballers and promote the sport's growth within the Bedford region.
