Real Bedford secured the league title with a nail-biting draw at McMullen Park against local rivals Ampthill Town. The two sides battled in windy conditions, but there was little to separate the teams. But the one point was enough to confirm the Pirates as Spartan Midlands Division One Champions, triggering celebrations long into the evening.

The game started slow, with both teams taking time to adapt to the wind, with Ampthill creating the first big chance of the game. Sam Holmes, their top goal scorer, pounced on a loose ball in the Real Bedford half and put his shot into the side netting, an early warning sign that the required point may not come easy for Bedford.

However, Bedford did take the lead from McGregor’s subsequent goal kick. James Ducket, Curtis Hartley and Dan Walker all moving the ball upfield in great build-up play before Ducket pulled the trigger with a through ball towards a racing Eddie Corbit who managed to get around the Ampthill defence and smash the ball between the legs of the Ampthill keeper to send McMullen Park into delirium. It was a vital goal to give Real Bedford a significant chance to seal the title.

Ampthill came back fighting, wanting to spoil the party for Bedford and were soon level with a well-worked goal. Sam Holmes dribbled his way past Lewis Burgess before laying the ball off to former Bedford player Mark Bunker who fed Fullerton, who smashed the ball past McGregor with his first touch.

Second Half

Despite only needing one point to secure the title, it was clear that Rob Sinclair’s men were keen to secure the title with a win and pushed hard for another goal. The record Real Bedford crowd of 293 thought the goal had come early in the second half. A Lewis Burgess long throw causing headaches for the Ampthill defenders ended up finding the back of the net after a deflection from Curtis Hartley; however, the referee blew for a handball muting the celebrations from the home crowd.

With the clock ticking down, nerves began building around the ground. While Bedford held most of the possession, they could not find the net, and Ampthill breakaways posed a constant threat.

Another chance came in the 65th minute. Curtis Hartley found space on the wing by Claston Gordon and drove into the area before pulling it back for Hitchcock, who was a few inches away from finding the target.

With few other chances of note, Bedford managed to hold out and seal the draw, clinching the league title at the first time of asking.

Real Bedford’s final home game is this Saturday, 15th April, at home against Thame United Reserves where the trophy and medals will be presented to the team. Tickets are available now and the match will be streamed online.

RBFC: McGregor, Burgess, Clifford, Knight ©, Wood, J. Ducket, Hartley, Culley, Hitchcock, Corbit, Walker (Gordon 36’)

Unused Subs: R. Ducket, Agaci, Owusu, Uttridge