Controversial own Goal triggers comeback against Lutterworth Athletic

Match Report

27 Mar

Real Bedford came back from 2-1 down against a well organised Lutterworth Athletic to win 4-2. A goal from Archie Culley, two penalties from Luke Knight and a controversial own goal completed the scoreline.

The Pirates are one step closer to securing the Spartan South Midlands Division One title after a hard-fought win against Lutterworth Athletic. The home side will have good reason to feel aggrieved as a controversial goal levelled the game late in the second half.

Real arrived at Lutterworth expecting a tough game, and the home side was well-prepared. Despite this, Real got off to a good start and controlled much of the game for the first 15 minutes.

Eddie Corbit thought he had put the away side ahead. But after cutting past a defender and placing the ball in the net, he was ruled offside. Archie Culley then had a chance to put Bedford ahead on 13 minutes, but after breaking free of the Lutterworth defence, he couldn't get enough power behind his shot to trouble the goalie.

Lutterworth took the lead against the run of play in the 16th minute. With the wind playing havoc, a cross from the right found Jess Adcock in the box, who smashed it into the back of the net.

The goal changed the game's momentum, and Lutterworth took control of the game and nearly doubled their lead in the 26th minute. Luke Knight was caught in possession by the corner flag, and Adcock found himself one-on-one with Tyler McGregor but could only hit his shot directly at Bedford's no.1.

Real struggled to find an opening as Lutterworth took advantage of the wind, looking like the most likely team to score next, but a penalty put the game level. Luke Knight was brought down in the box in the 43rd minute and stepped up to cooly slot home his 11th goal of the season.

With the game heading for half-time level, Lutterworth won a penalty and restored their lead, with Jess Adcock scoring his second.

Second Half

The second half failed to get going for 20 minutes, with the referee having to stop the action as both teams were flying in with tackles, and multiple Lutterworth players requiring treatment.

Bedford, this time having the wind advantage, pushed hard to get back into the game and the threat of Lewis Burgess’ long throw nearly paid dividend in the 59th minute when Tom Wood headed just over.

Kevin Owusu was subbed on for Ben McGrath and was an immediate threat running at the Lutterworth defence. He nearly levelled the game with a customary 25-yard shot which went just wide of the left post.

Real was level in the 71st minute in controversial circumstances. Another Lewis Burgess throw caused panic in the Lutterworth box and ended up in the back of the net. There was confusion about whether anyone touched the ball, but after consulting with the linesman, the referee gave the goal. Photos indicate that the defender who cleared the ball did so after it crossed the line.

Bedford smelt victory and was ahead on 85 minutes. A Luke Knight corner found Lewis Burgess at the back post, who headed it towards goal, where it took a deflection off Archie Culley before hitting the net.

Lutterworth pushed for their own equaliser and had two free-kicks in dangerous areas, but neither threatened Tyler McGregor.

With the game heading to the final whistle, Real closed our victory with another Luke Knight penalty. Dan Walker broke free of the Lutterworth defence but was brought down in the area as he was about to shoot. Knight stepped up and claimed his brace.

All eyes on the County Cup Final this Wednesday, 29th March against Elstow Abbey at Bedford Town. Kick-off is at 7.30pm and will be streamed live for international viewers.

RBFC: McGregor, Burgess, Clifford, Knight ©, Culley, Wood, Gordon, McGrath (Owusu, 60’), Hitchcock, Corbit, Walker.

Unused Subs: R. Ducket, S. Sinclair, Uttridge.