Real Bedford Come From Behind to Beat Potton United 4-1
Real Bedford began their Challenge Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Potton United at home. Despite going a goal down early, Bedford fought back with four goals, with a much-changed starting lineup.
The match began with Real Bedford on the front foot, as Ben Stevens peppered Potton’s goalkeeper, Hoskins, with several early shots. Despite the pressure, none of the attempts truly troubled the keeper, leaving Bedford frustrated in the opening stages.
Against the run of play, Potton United were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area just outside the box. In the 14th minute, Cole Butler stepped up and delivered a perfectly placed shot into the top left corner of Mumford’s goal, giving Potton an early 1-0 lead.
The intensity ramped up after the goal, with several aggressive challenges flying in from both sides, threatening to disrupt the flow of the game. However, Bedford levelled the match with moment of brilliance in the 33rd minute. Drew Richardson, receiving the ball on the edge of the box, spotted the goalkeeper off his line and expertly lobbed the ball over everyone, including the keeper.
At halftime, the teams went in level at 1-1, with Richardson’s wonder goal providing Bedford the boost they needed.
Second Half
Bedford came out flying in the second half, taking the lead just two minutes after the restart. In the 47th minute, Potton failed to clear Richardson’s dangerous ball into the box, allowing Eniola Agemoh-Davies to fire it into the top corner. Hoskins had no chance, and Bedford were suddenly 2-1 up.
From that moment on, Bedford turned up the intensity, dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances. Potton struggled to deal with Bedford’s pace and precision, and it seemed only a matter of time before the home side added to their tally.
In the 82nd minute, Bedford got their reward. A pinpoint corner from Isaac Galliford found Tom Hitchcock at the front post, who sneaked the ball past the Potton goalkeeper to make it 3-1 and give Bedford some breathing room.
Just two minutes later, in the 84th minute, Harrison Knight delivered a sensational ball behind the Potton defense, completely bypassing the backline and leaving Galliford with a simple tap-in to seal the win.
The 4-1 win sees them progress to the next round of the Challenge Cup.
The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 2nd November, facing Kidlington in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: Mumford, Soile, S. Ward, T. Ward, Richardson, Jones (Nicolson 61’), Agemoh-Davies, Stevens (Evans 80’), Galliford, Knight, Hitchcock.
Unused subs: McGregor, Morrell, Watkins
Real Bedford 4 - 1 Potton United
22nd October, 2024
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
