Real Bedford clinched a 5-1 victory over Biggleswade United
First-half goals from Ben Stevens and Joey Evans were accompanied by incredible efforts from Josh Setchell and Charlie Smith in the second half, alongside a late goal from Tom Hitchcock to seal the win on the road.
Bedford completely controlled the game throughout the first half, ensuring the home team couldn’t get a shot on target throughout the 45 minutes. Instead, all the action took place down the other end of the field. Fifteen minutes in, a low cross from Josh Setchell found Tom Wood at the back post, but the captain mistimed his shot, and it flew over the bar from close range.
Moments later, there was more trouble for Biggleswade as Corbit’s deflected cross found Evans in the area; however, the striker couldn’t get the right touch on it to open the scoring. Still, Real Bedford searched for a goal, as Lee Watkins fired one towards the target from outside the box, only for it to steer wide off the outside of his boot.
The Pirates soon found their opening. Biggleswade defenders initially blocked shots from Ben Stevens and Claston Gordon but only as far as Evans, who took the time to find the back of the net off the rebounding ball and get the visitors off the mark.
Moments later, Real managed to double their lead before the break. A long throw-in by Lewis Burgess was parried away but only as far as Stevens, who struck the ball on the half volley, nestling it into the bottom left corner from just inside the area, doubling The Pirates’ lead heading into the break.
Second Half
The home side entered the second half with more fight, creating better chances in the final third. The game sat poised, with Biggleswade looking for a goal to half the deficit and launch a comeback. However, Josh Setchell had other ideas. The winger picked up the ball inside the Biggleswade half before taking on Anthony Leslie and curling a shot past Caleb Chandler in goal to send the away fans delirious. A superb solo effort from many yards out that could end up being an early contender for goal of the season.
Biggleswade weren’t down and out, and the referee awarded them a lifeline in the 73rd minute for an apparent handball by Lewis Burgess in the area. Jesus Mendoza slotted it past McGregor to keep the home side in the game.
As Rob Sinclair brought on the experienced heads of Tom Hitchcock and Luke Knight to see out the game, Real Bedford resumed control of possession, limiting chances for Biggleswade to launch attacks in the final 10 minutes. With the clock in the red, Bedford showed defensive resilience to win the ball back in their half. As Charlie Smith received possession in the centre circle, he caught Chandler off his line, producing an inch-perfect shot over the keeper and into the back of the net in incredible fashion.
Real Bedford were not done and quickly launched another attack late on. Josh Setchell picked up the ball on the flank before delivering a cross towards Tom Hitchcock, who found the back of the net at the far post to seal the deal for the away side as Biggleswade fell apart. A late off-the-ball tussle saw former Bedford FC midfielder Connor Inskip receive a straight red card, not that the game was affected as the referee blew his whistle shortly after.
Real Bedford now faces Stansted at McMullen Park on Saturday in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd. Get your tickets here to secure your place at this massive game for The Pirates.
RBFC: McGregor, Corbit, Clifford, Wood ©, Burgess, Smith, Setchell, Watkins (Knight 84’), Evans, Stevens (Hitchcock 78’), Gordon
Unused Subs: J.Ducket, Swain, Bozward
Biggleswade United 1 - 5 Real Bedford
10th October, 2023
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: Verdant Stadium
