Real Bedford fell short for the second time in the league this season, losing out to a well-organised Langford. Three goals in the first half were enough to see the away side take all three points despite a valiant second-half performance from The Pirates.

Far from the ideal start to the new year, Real Bedford ended their 10-game, allowing Rugby Borough to tighten the gap at the top of the table.

Despite ending up on the wrong side of the score line, Real Bedford started the brighter of the two teams. Sinclair and Knight playing testing balls through the middle of the field, causing problems for the Langford backline. Real Bedford nearly took the lead early in the half when Knight's threaded through ball found Jordan Brown. The striker glided past keeper Devon Phelan, but with the goal open, Langford defender Perry slid in and blocked the ball from crossing the line.

Minutes later, it was Langford's first chance at goal. Some good dribbling from youngster Jack White led him to play a teasing ball to star striker Adio who turned superbly and calmly slotted the ball past McGregor to allow Langford to take an unexpected lead.

After a balanced next 20 minutes of play, with Real Bedford searching for an equaliser, Langford struck again from a set piece. A ball swung in from the corner was fumbled by McGregor, leaving the ball for Perry Heritage to bundle over the line and double the away team's advantage.

A solid crowd of 272 had come out for the game, and the home supporters were getting nervous. Real pushed for a goal and came close off the back of a great ball from Luke Knight. His corner found Ducket's head, but the defender failed to find the target, and the frustrations piled up for the home side.

Just before the break, Langford struck Bedford another blow. A superb shot from Langford winger Basra tested McGregor, forcing a save which unfortunately fell in front of the poaching Adio who tapped it home for a brace, putting Langford firmly in the driving seat heading into the break.

Second Half

Rob Sinclair made three changes at the break as Bedford searched for a miracle comeback to keep their undefeated streak alive, bringing on Dan Walker, Tom Wood and Ben McGrath.

Bedford appeared the brighter of the two teams coming out for the second period, pushing hard to get back in the game, and pulled a goal back 7 minutes into the half. After attempting an audacious volley, Luke Knight picked up the ball on the edge of the box and, with a bit more space, picked his spot and curled the ball into the top right corner. The goal a potential lifeline to turn up the volume around McMullen Park.

Bedford looked to build on this goal, and a Matt Clifford’s effort forced a goal-line clearance from former Bedford player Michael Pickard.

Langford finished the game with ten men, with Basra receiving a second yellow card and an early shower for pushing Jordan Brown in an off-the-ball scuffle. However, Langford managed to hold and secure all three points, a deserved result for the away side.

Real Bedford will look to turn things around on Saturday away at Northampton Sileby Rangers before their big home clash Vs Northampton Chenecks on the 10th of January. Get down to support the boys.

RBFC: McGregor, Gordon, Clifford, Knight ©, J. Ducket, Uttridge (Wood, 45’), Corbit, Sinclair (McGrath, 45’), Burnside, Owusu (Walker, 45’), Brown

Unused Subs: R. Ducket, Culley.