Real Bedford Clinch Vital 1-0 Victory Over Flackwell Heath
In a tense, top-of-the-table clash, Real Bedford edge the game 1-0. As the table takes shape, both sides were eager to secure all three points as the but ultimately, it was Archie Jones' decisive goal that made the difference, sealing the win for Real Bedford.
The opening minutes saw both teams share possession, each crafting half-chances but lacking the final touch to seriously threaten either goal. Bedford's first real opportunity came in the 10th minute when Brett Longden expertly lifted a ball over the Flackwell defense to Isaac Galliford, who managed to get a shot off that sailed narrowly wide.
Bedford continued to apply pressure, with slick interplay between Evans and Stevens in the 18th minute leading to a promising attempt. Flackwell’s keeper saved but also dropped Stevens' shot, and Setchell pounced on the loose ball, though he couldn’t convert.
Jack Morrell ventured forward in the 21st minute, leaving his defensive post to play a clever through ball to Stevens, whose shot was blocked and deflected out for a corner. Flackwell responded with their first clear chance in the 35th minute when Michael Harding’s precise pass found Wiktor Makowski, whose shot was well saved by McGregor.
Flackwell’s best moment of the half came in the 36th minute. Bedford struggled to clear, allowing Matthew Ayres to fire a shot that flew just over the top corner.
Just before halftime, Bedford thought they had found the breakthrough in the 43rd minute. Stevens crossed to Joey Evans, who tapped it into the net, only to see it ruled out for offside. The teams went into the break tied 0-0 in an evenly matched and high-intensity first half.
Second Half
The second half picked up where the first left off, with end-to-end play and both teams hunting for the opening goal. Bedford seemed to have the edge in creating chances, and in the 59th minute, they nearly capitalised on a defensive mishap. Flackwell's keeper Beqiri miss-kicked a back pass under pressure from Setchell, leading to a snapshot from Stevens that was tipped wide for a corner.
Bedford’s persistence finally paid off in the 67th minute. After a superb attack, Stevens slipped a pass to substitute Archie Jones, who slotted the ball in from close range to put Bedford 1-0 up. The goal ignited Bedford, and Jones had another chance in the 77th minute, though his effort went wide.
In stoppage time, Eniola Agemoh-Davies surged down the left, setting up Stevens for one last attempt. His shot, however, drifted wide. The final whistle blew on a hard-earned 1-0 victory for Real Bedford.
The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 2nd November, facing Kidlington in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S. Ward, Longden, Richardson, Nicolson (Jones 62’), Stevens, Evans (Hitchcock 83’), Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 68’), Watkins, Setchell.
Unused subs: T.Ward, Knight
Flackwell Heath 0 - 1 Real Bedford
26th October, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Wilks Park
