Late Missed Penalty Leaves Real Bedford Frustrated in 0-0 Draw
On a cold Tuesday evening, Real Bedford hosted Leighton Town in a goalless draw. Both sides worked hard but found clear-cut chances hard to come by as Leighton’s tight defence matched The Pirates all out attack. Bedford had a golden opportunity to snatch victory with a penalty in stoppage time, but the chance went unconverted.
The game began cautiously, with both teams working to understand each other’s tactics and maintain defensive solidity. In the early exchanges, neither side managed to establish dominance, resulting in a calm opening.
Leighton’s first real opportunity came in the 20th minute when Goss broke through Bedford’s back line and fired a shot, only to see it blocked well. Bedford had their first meaningful chance in the 34th minute, with Ben Stevens whipping in a cross to Jack Morrell, whose volley flew just over the bar.
Just before halftime, a mix-up between Longden and Morrell gave Goss another opportunity, but he blasted his shot well over, offering Bedford a let-off. The half closed at 0-0, with neither team able to capitalise on the few chances created.
Second Half
Both teams emerged with more intensity but still found it challenging to carve out a decisive breakthrough. Bedford had a promising play down the right in the 58th minute as Stevens, Setchell, and S. Ward combined. Stevens unleashed a shot, but Hunt in the Leighton goal made a brilliant save, keeping the game level.
Leighton continued to press forward, and in the 62nd minute, Goss slid a pass through to King. The Bedford defence was quick to respond, clearing the threat effectively. In the 80th minute, a scramble in Leighton’s box saw Stevens attempt several shots, all of which were blocked before his final effort rolled just wide.
Leighton posed a late threat as Cerqueira skilfully bypassed Longden, but S. Ward was on hand with a crucial diving block to put the ball out for a corner, preserving Bedford’s clean sheet.
The drama peaked in stoppage time when Bedford were awarded a penalty after Archie Jones was brought down by Pyman. Hitchcock stepped up to the spot in the 90+3 minute but was denied by Hunt, who saved comfortably. Bedford had one last opportunity in the 90+5 minute when a Stevens cross found Jones, whose mis-timed shot resulted in another easy save for Hunt.
Despite Real Bedford’s determined efforts to find a late breakthrough, they were left frustrated, with the match ending 0-0
The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 23rd November, facing Hadley in the league. We will also be hosting a Business networking lunch starting from 12.00. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S. Ward, Longden, Richardson, Watkins, Jones, Stevens, Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 83’), Setchell, Hitchcock
Unused subs: Evans, Soile, Nicolson, T.Ward
Real Bedford 0 - 0 Leighton Town
12th November, 2024
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
