Evans brace secures comfortable victory over Kidlington
By Will Murray
Real Bedford got back to winning ways in the Southern League Division One Central, beating Kidlington 3-0 at Yarnton Road. A brace from Joey Evans and a first-half strike from Ben Stevens maintained the Pirates’ one-point lead at the top of the table.
Rob Sinclair’s side dominated proceedings in the early stages, coming close to opening the scoring when Drew Richardson headed Stevens’ corner narrowly wide in the 11th minute.
Five minutes later, the Pirates were ahead when Brett Longden’s lofted ball over the top of Kidlington’s defence found Stevens, who fired his right-footed shot in off the post.
Charlie Bacon thought he had equalised for the hosts midway through the opening half, but his right-footed effort hit the side netting.
Despite coming back into the game, Kidlington were fortunate not to go two goals behind in the 30th minute when a counter attack saw Josh Setchell and Evans both denied by last-ditch blocks.
Stevens had a chance to double his tally in the 37th minute when Callum Nicolson played a low ball into his path, but Stevens’ shot was well saved by the Kidlington shot-stopper Charlie Barnett.
The Pirates doubled their lead on the brink of half-time when Isaac Galliford’s corner was headed home by Evans after a spell of pressure.
Second Half
Seven minutes into the second half, Evans scored his second – the striker’s 12th goal in his last eight league games. Setchell picked up the ball on the right wing, beating two defenders and squaring the ball to Evans in the box, who poked the ball past Barnett.
Kidlington could have reduced the deficit, with a goal chalked off for offside in the 60th minute and Powfil Raposo firing over shortly after they created an opening.
Tyler McGregor also made a couple of important late saves to ensure Bedford kept a clean sheet and secured their 12th win in 13 away league matches.
After Saturday’s win, Sinclair said:
“Quick turnaround – there’s nothing better than playing football matches all the time, so another one to prepare for in Stotfold, we know what they’ll be about. It’ll be another tough game in tough conditions, and we’ll be looking to get a positive result.”
The Pirates are next at home on Tuesday 11th February hosting Stotfold in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Longden, S.Ward, Soile, Richardson, Watkins, Nicolson (T.Ward 85’), Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 56’), Setchell (Knight 91’), Stevens (Hitchcock 69’), Evans.
Kidlington 0 - 3 Real Bedford
8th February 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Yarnton Road
