Pirates Lose Their Opening Game Against St Neots in the Fa Cup
Real Bedford's FA Cup opener at The Ledger Stadium ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat to St Neots Town. Despite goals from Ben Stevens and Jack Snelus, The Pirates couldn't maintain their lead, with St Neots scoring a late winner.
In a tense FA Cup opener at The Ledger Stadium, Real Bedford faced a tough match against a spirited St Neots Town. From the outset, the visitors pressed the Pirates, pinning them in their own half. Their pressure paid off when a driven cross off an in-swinging cross beat McGregor, putting St Neots ahead within the first few minutes.
This initial setback galvanized Real Bedford, who responded with increased intensity. The equaliser came from a well-placed free-kick earned through sustained pressure with Ben Stevens expertly curling the ball into the bottom left corner, bringing the score level.
As the half progressed, The Pirates continued to assert their dominance, taking the lead on the half-hour mark with Jack Snelus scoring a spectacular overhead kick following a deflection off the keeper.
However, the lead was short-lived. Six minutes later, St Neots capitalised on a lapse in Bedford's defence, slotting home another low-driven cross. Initially flagged offside, the goal was allowed by the referee, levelling the score just before half-time.
Second Half
Rob Sinclair made a tactical change during the break, bringing on Shaheim Ward for Joey Evans, moving to a back four.
The second half saw a more physical approach from St Neots, resulting in numerous flying challenges and several yellow cards.
The Pirates nearly took the lead again through Mo Ahmed, who made a dazzling run down the wing, evading defenders and the keeper, only to see his effort cleared off the line by a St Neots defender.
Sadly for Bedford Jack Snelus was forced off due to injury and replaced by debutant Ty Ward, a turning point in the game, with St Neots taking control and defying their one division difference.
Drama continued as Jack Morrell conceded a penalty, bringing down ex-Pirate, Jordan Brown. However, Bedford's McGregor made a crucial save, diving the right way to palm the ball out for a corner.
In the closing stages, St Neots took the lead once more. Jacques Kpohomouh turned the ball into his own net, attempting to clear a corner, putting the visitors ahead 3-2. Despite late substitutions, including Eniola Agemoh-Davies for Josh Setchell, Bedford could not find an equaliser.
As the final whistle blew, Real Bedford's spirited fight ended in a narrow defeat, 3-2 to St Neots Town.
Real Bedford now face Hertford Town in their opening league match this Saturday. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Richardson, Kpohomouh, Morrell, Setchell (Agemoh-Davies ‘80), Watkins, Nicolson (Corbit ‘71), Ahmed, Stevens, Snelus (T Ward ‘55), Evans (S Ward ‘45).
Unused Subs: Longden, Swain
Real Bedford 2 - 3 St Neots Town
3rd August, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Legder Stadium
