Pirates Dominate Hertford Town in Commanding 3-0 Win
Real Bedford continued their impressive league form with a commanding 3-0 victory away at Hertford Town. From the opening whistle, the Pirates controlled the match, with goals from Morrell, Evans and Knight securing all three points.
The game kicked off with Real Bedford on the front foot, and within the first minute, Ben Stevens had a shot tipped over the bar by Hertford’s goalkeeper Callan, setting the tone for what would be a relentless attacking display. Stevens had another effort in the 6th minute that was blocked by Herd, with Bedford appealing for a handball, but the referee awarded only a corner.
Real Bedford’s pressure paid off in the 12th minute after a free kick led to the ball landing at the feet of Jack Morrell on the edge of the box. Morrell unleashed a powerful shot that rocketed into the top corner, giving the Pirates a deserved 1-0 lead. It was the 4th goal for defender since joining Bedford, proving himself an asset at both ends of the pitch.
Just five minutes later, Bedford doubled their advantage with some brilliant counter-attacking play. Josh Setchell broke forward and squared the ball to Evans, who calmly slotted it past the keeper to make it 2-0.
Stevens continued to be a threat, with a shot just wide in the 24th minute, and Setchell came close to making it three with a chip that grazed the top of the net in the 30th minute.
Hertford’s first real attempt came in the 31st minute when O’Brien drove forward, but his strike sailed harmlessly over the bar. Mardell-Smith had another shot for Hertford in the 39th minute, but McGregor comfortably dealt with it.
The Pirates entered halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead, having dominated possession and created the better chances.
Second Half
The second half started much like the first, with Bedford pressing forward. Just a minute in, Nicolson had a shot that went just wide, showing Bedford’s continued intent to add to their lead.
The tempo of the match slowed down after that, with both teams settling into a rhythm and fewer chances being created. Hertford struggled to break down Bedford’s defense, and the Pirates were content to control possession and limit their opponents' opportunities.
In the 82nd minute, Hertford’s Hunte nearly pulled one back with a stinging shot that forced a fantastic save from McGregor. The Bedford keeper then reacted quickly to save the rebound, pulling off back-to-back saves to preserve the clean sheet. It was a moment of brilliance that kept the game firmly in Bedford’s control.
Just a minute later, Stevens hit the post after a swift Bedford counter-attack, coming agonisingly close to adding a third. Despite the miss, Bedford remained dominant and continued to press forward.
In stoppage time, Bedford finally found their third goal. Harrison Knight dribbled into the box and saw his shot deflect over the Hertford keeper, marking his first goal for Real Bedford. The goal in the 93rd minute sealed the 3-0 win, rounding off a comprehensive victory for the Pirates.
The Pirates are next at home on Tuesday 22nd October, facing Potton United in the Challenge Cup. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S. Ward, Agemoh-Davies (Galliford 69’), Watkins (Jones 75’), Richardson, Longden, Nicolson, Stevens, Setchell (Knight 90’), Evans (Hitchcock 90’).
Unused subs: T. Ward
Hertford Town 0 - 3 Real Bedford
19th October, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Hertingfordbury Park
