Conditions didn’t dampen a revitalised Real Bedford, who overcame title challengers Northampton ON Chennecks to win 3-1 at McMullen Park on Tuesday.

In front of a faithful set of Real Bedford supporters, the Pirates turned the ship around from their defeat against Langford, pulling off a convincing win over 7th-placed Northampton to extend their advantage at the top of the league.

Real Bedford was looking to bounce back from the disappointing defeat to Langford on Saturday, and from the first whistle, their intentions were clear. New signing Curtis Hartley slotted comfortably into the defence, providing some extra solidity to the backline alongside the returning Tom Wood.

The game's opening chance fell to Jordan Brown, put through via Dan Walker after an excellent first-time ball from Kevin Owusu but Brown's attempt at a tight angle was well saved by Brad Lashley.

Real Bedford's newest signing, Curtis Hartley, sparked the opening goal of the game. His quick-thinking throw-in fell to the feet of Dan Walker, whose cross found Matt Clifford in the box. Playing left-wing tonight, Clifford instinctively nodded the ball to the feet of Jordan Brown, who released a shot on the turn, finding the back of the net in the 13th minute.

Chennecks looked to respond, pouncing on a miscommunication at the back between Tom Wood and Luke Knight, putting George Holman away, but the striker took a heavy touch, inviting McGregor to come out and collect. A warning for Real Bedford.

It wasn't long before Bedford doubled the lead. Dan Walker headed on a long clearance from Tyler McGregor, where Jack Ashton, in the Chenecks defence, lunged at the ball, knocking it back towards the goal. Eddie Corbit managed to collect the ball and break clear of the defence before unleashing a wicked shot beyond the reach of Lashley.

Bedford was not done there and had another chance to extend the lead before half-time. Another long ball caused problems in the Cheneck's defence, rebounding to Kevin Owusu, who looked to add to his long-range tally for the season, but the winger could not get the required height and power behind the ball.

Second Half

The pressure on Chenecks did not cease in the second half as The Pirates continued to press for another goal against the title challengers. Hartley, continuing his impressive debut, nearly made the third. Picking up the ball on the right wing, he crossed the ball into the box just beyond the reach of Jordan Brown. The ball fell to Clifford at the back post, who unleashed a fierce shot which Lashley saved well.

Chenecks didn't roll over though and their top scorer Dan Holman provided a constant threat. Just before the hour mark, Holman created Chenecks first clear-cut chance with a dangerous run down the left. He cut back inside and found a shot on target, but it lacked power, and the ever-consistent McGregor cleared with his feet.

Bedford continued to dominate possession and found their third goal in the 66th minute. A well-weighted pass from McGrath found Brown clear of the Cheneck's defence, who drove into the box before unleashing a low shot which Lashley could only parry into the feet of the oncoming Eddie Corbit, who collected his brace. 3-0 up with 25 minutes to go, The Pirates were in the driving seat.

Bedford nearly made it four after good interplay between Brown and Corbit again set up Walker. Breaking free down the left, Brown broke into the box and squared the ball to Walker, but his first-time shot was wide of the goal.

Chenecks continued to press and started to unlock the Real defence in the final 10 minutes of the game and found themselves with a consolation goal. Holman, the provider, found space on the left and lofted a perfect cross to the head of replacement striker Wilson who couldn't miss.

Despite the last-minute score, Real Bedford showed their worth throughout the 90 minutes, putting in a solid performance against a strong Chennecks side.

Real will look to build on this win with another tough clash against Amersham Town this Saturday, 14th January, at McMullen Park. Kick-off is at 3pm, come down and support the lads.

RBFC: McGregor, Hartley, Clifford, Knight, Wood, J. Ducket, McGrath (S. Sinclair, 90’), Corbit, Walker, Owusu, (Gordon, 75’), Brown (Burnside, 85’).

Unused Subs: R.Ducket, Uttridge.