By Will Murray

Real Bedford stayed three points clear of Berkhamsted with a dominant 5-0 home victory against Northwood FC. Josh Setchell, Archie Jones, and Joey Evans scored the goals for the Pirates to secure a seventh consecutive league victory.

Bedford Mayor, Tom Wooton, and Bedfordshire-born singer Tom Grennan attended the game at the Ledger Stadium, and they witnessed a lightning start from the hosts. With only a minute on the clock, Setchell received the ball from Ben Stevens and slotted past Aymen Azaze.

The chances kept on coming for Rob Sinclair’s side in the opening 15 minutes, with Isaac Galliford and Jones both narrowly missing the target.

Northwood did provide a threat going the other way, though, and in the 18th minute, Nnaemeka Anyanwu saw his shot go across the face of the goal.

The Pirates extended their lead in an end-to-end first half two minutes later through Jones. A deflected cross found the number 14 at the near post who tapped it home.

The goalmouth action didn’t stop there. Three minutes later, Jones turned creator and was fouled in the box by Jayden Ashbourne. Evans took the resulting penalty – sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to add a third.

Sinclair’s side pressed relentlessly for the rest of the first half, controlling all aspects of the game – coming close to the fourth through Drew Richardson and Stevens.

Jones, who impressed throughout the afternoon, put the game beyond the visitors in the 35th minute, heading home his rebounded shot which had originally hit the woodwork.

Second Half

The Pirates’ pressure didn’t ease in the second half, with Setchell making it five in the 52nd minute. After some neat footwork around the box, the dynamic number seven fired past Azaze.

There were chances to extend the lead – most notably, Evans was denied from close range by an impressive Azaze save.

Northwood had a late chance through Sam Folarin to get on the scoresheet, but his effort hit the side netting, meaning the Pirates walked away with three points and a clean sheet.

Next up is a tantalising top-of-the-table clash against Berkhamsted at the Glencar Community Stadium.

After the match, Sinclair said:

“We were brilliant first half, the game was over. A really pleasing performance – our attacking play was at a really good level. The energy and the intensity we pressed at off the ball was pleasing. Second half was complete control, and we saw the game out.”

The Pirates are next at home on Tuesday 25th March, facing Stotfold in the league. Tickets for the match are available here

RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S.Ward, Longden, Richardson (T.Ward 65’), Watkins, Jones (Nicolson 59’), Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 59’), Stevens, Setchell (Snelus 70’), Evans (Hitchcock 70’).

Real Bedford 5 - 0 Northwood
15th March, 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Ledger Stadium