McGregor shines in 0-0 draw against Berkhamsted
By Will Murray
Real Bedford dug in to secure a valuable 0-0 draw against second-placed Berkhamsted, thanks to a brilliant display from Tyler McGregor. The Pirates’ number one pulled off a number of impressive saves at the Glencar Community Stadium to maintain the visitors’ three-point lead at the top of the table with two games in hand.
Rob Sinclair’s side started brightly with Joey Evans and Jack Morrell having half-chances in the first 15 minutes.
The hosts came closest to opening the scoring three minutes later, though, with Louie Collier forcing McGregor into a smart stop after shooting from inside the box.
With not much action in the first-half, just before the break, Adam Watkins thought he had put Berkhamsted ahead, but his effort was tipped round the post by McGregor to keep the match goalless at half-time.
Second Half
The chances kept on coming in the second half for the Comrades, including in the 57th minute when a cross from the right was flicked onto Connor Tomlinson, who was unmarked in the box, but his left-footed effort drifted narrowly wide.
After this close call, both teams started to find their rhythm for the first time in the game. Ben Stevens saw his shot from 20 yards go wide on the hour mark before BJ Christie’s header was disallowed for a foul in the build-up a minute later.
Berkhamsted kept on pushing for the winner in the final 15. Collier was once again denied by McGregor in the box before Matt Bateman’s header drifted inches wide in the closing stages.
The Pirates had to defend for large spells throughout the game but had a golden opportunity to win the match in the 92nd minute. After the hosts had piled bodies forward, the ball fell to Josh Setchell on the counter attack. The number seven beat two defenders before shooting just over with his left foot, meaning the top-of-the-table clash ended goalless.
After the draw at Berkhamsted, Sinclair said:
“Good point – in terms of performance, we had to show that other side that sometimes people wouldn’t really associate with this group, but they showed it in abundance today. We showed grit and determination to defend our box and defend long balls.”
“Berkhamsted are a good side, they are physical, direct and we dealt with that well, so I’m really proud.”
The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 25th March hosting Stotfold in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, Longden, S. Ward, Richardson, Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 82’), Jones, Watkins, Stevens (Hitchcock 62’), Setchell (Snelus 93’), Evans.
Unused subs: Nicolson, T.Ward
Berkhamsted 0 - 0 Real Bedford
22nd March
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Glencar Community Stadium
