Real Bedford claim another win on the road against London Lions
Goals from Joey Evans, Ben Stevens and Mo Ahmed capped off a dominant performance from The Pirates, who extended their win streak on the road at Maccabi Sports Ground.
The pitch was in idyllic condition, lending to Bedford's attacking style, which was on display from the start of the game. Within 15 minutes, Real created their first clear chance when Charlie Smith's set piece forced a save out of London Lions' Nathan Bloohn. The follow-up cross from Matt Clifford was also close, hitting the bar just in front of an awaiting Tom Wood, who was ready to tap it into an empty net.
The next chance came 5 minutes later. A long ball over the top from Tom Wood found Josh Setchell on the flank, who broke free and delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Despite an initial block by James Gershfield, Ben Stevens and Joey Evans managed shots towards goal that the hosts kept out.
Stevens and Evans were at it again soon after, Stevens providing Evans with the ball inside the area; however, The Pirates' leading goal scorer couldn't get a shot away before Austin Lipman diverted the ball for a Bedford corner.
Stevens didn't stop providing chances from midfield, and the next opportunity for the Pirates fell as he played the ball wide to Matt Clifford who delivered a tempting cross from the left-hand side of the pitch toward Mo Ahmed who couldn't quite beat goalkeeper Nathan Bloohn to the ball in front of the vacant net.
The Pirates were in complete control of the game, creating all the chances, yet still hadn't broken the deadlock. However, just before half-time, Ben Stevens stole possession from London Lions in the midfield before playing a well-weighted through ball to Evans, who beat the keeper to the ball, chipping it past Bloohn and into the back of the net. Bedford would take a well-deserved lead into the break.
Second Half
London Lions returned to the field with more intent in the second half, creating their best opportunity of the game in the 50-minute. Felix Shalom picked up the ball on the edge of the area, producing a curling effort towards goal on the turn, forcing McGregor to punch the ball over the bar.
A few minutes later, the Pirates regained control of the game. A long throw-in by Lewis Burgess caused trouble for the London Lions' defence, finding Tom Wood, who got a free header towards goal, only to be denied by the crossbar.
Real Bedford doubled their lead shortly after. McGregor's floated pass found Clifford on the touchline, the fullback heading the ball in field towards Ahmed, who, with limited time and space, threaded a perfect ball through to Ben Stevens in the box, who dispatched the ball into the back of the net with real style to give The Pirates a 2-0 lead.
Seconds later, Stevens nearly had a brace, Eddie Corbit chipped a ball over Teddie Levenfiche to find Bedford's number 10. His half-volley rattled the goal's stanchion instead of the netting. The third goal came moments after. Lewis Burgess, this time with a long ball towards the penalty area, found Mo Ahmed, who controlled it before lobbing the keeper and Levenfiche on the line, who, despite getting a cynical hand to the ball, couldn't stop Ahmed from widening the deficit between the sides.
Chances came and went throughout the final 15 minutes for Bedford. Mo Ahmed's shot from just outside the box was off-target, Joey Evans found himself in a one-on-one with Bloohn moments later but couldn't find the goal, and Luke Knight's late set-piece found Hitchcock with a free header, but the substitute couldn't find the target in the air.
Despite the missed chances, Real Bedford managed to keep a clean sheet and add 3 points to their league tally, giving them good momentum heading into a tough October.
Real Bedford return to McMullen Park to face Colney Heath on Saturday. Tickets are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Corbit, Clifford, Wood (c), Burgess, Smith (Knight 85’), Setchell (Gordon 79’), Watkins, Evans, Stevens (Hitchcock 74’), Ahmed
Unused Subs: J.Ducket, Bozward
London Lions 0 - 3 Real Bedford
30th September, 2023
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Maccabi Sports Ground
