Following Bedford’s first defeat of the season against London Tigers in the Division One Cup, the team bounced back to win 1 - 0 against a well-organised Lutterworth Athletic.

Real Bedford proved resilient in a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home to Lutterworth Athletic. Bouncing back from defeat in the League Cup during the week, a depleted Bedford side absent Rob Ducket, Tom Wood, club captain Luke Knight and Dan Walker on the bench showed fight and determination against one of their toughest opponents yet.

After a quiet opening quarter in which both sides shared equal chances and possession, the first real opportunity fell to Kevin Owusu. An in-swinging cross from stand-in skipper James Ducket found the wing-back at the back post, but his headed shot rattled the post and the Lutterworth defence. Bedford continued to pressure Lutterworth and immediately found themselves in front of goal again. This time, Kevin Owusu, the provider, threaded a ball through Tom Hitchcock, who struck it the first time into the path of keeper Harbin, who denied the striker.

Heading into the break, Real Bedford continued to look for an opening and Matty Clifford, again, demonstrated his lethal ability from set-pieces. An eagle-eyed Harbin only kept out an opportunistic shot on target from a tight angle. The keeper was required again moments later after the resulting Clifford corner fell to Hitchcock, who struck sweetly on target but straight at the keeper.

With the game finely balanced, it was Owusu who broke the deadlock just before the half-time break. Jordan Brown's solo run and attempted shot was parried away by Harbin. The ball ricocheted to Owusu, who, in a similar fashion to the season's opening game, beat the keeper from 30 yards, this time on the half volley.

As the half-time whistle blew, Real Bedford took a narrow 1 - 0 lead into the break.

Second Half

The second half was quieter, with the game slowed by disciplinary issues on both sides. The away side appeared to feed off the tension and nearly equalised from a corner; a thunderous header from Lutterworth’s Ncuse needed Hitchcock’s goal-line clearance to ensure Real Bedford retained their slender advantage.

Lutterworth continued to look for an equaliser, and Fin Thomas’ volley from close range beat all Real Bedford’s defenders and, fortunately, the goal.

Bedford dominated the closing moments of the game as Lutterworth tired. Opportunities fell to Burnside, Hitchcock and Harry Murray, but all either missed the goal or had their shots saved by the impressive Harbin.

Lutterworth was presented with one last opportunity as the clock slipped into the red. Captain Charlie Adcock broke away down the wing and cut back onto his left to release a dangerous shot parried well by McGregor. The ball flicked up into the air where the slightest touch would have levelled the game, but the heroic McGregor jumped to his feet to clear the ball and save all three points for Bedford. A match-saving performance from the ever-improving goalkeeper.

Bedford travels to Raunds Town on Tuesday (4th October), looking to make it 10 league wins on the bounce. The team loves your support, so come to the games or tune into the live stream and support your pirates.

RBFC: McGregor, McLeod-Bentley (Walker 67’ (Culley 73’)), Owusu, J.Ducket ©, Uttridge, Clifford, Murray, Corbit, Brown, Hitchcock, Burnside.

Unused subtitutes: Sinclair, Coyle, McGrath.