Real Bedford completed another statement victory away from home with a 4-0 win against Tring Athletic
The Pirates put three past the home side inside 45 minutes before a goal from Joey Evans sealed the victory in the second half, pushing Bedford up to 3rd in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division.
Bedford started brightly and got on the score sheet early on. Lee Watkins produced a searching ball across the field to find Ben Stevens in space. The winger plucked the ball out of the sky, bringing it under his control before trickling it past the keeper for Bedford's opening goal.
Tring pushed hard to get back in the game and showed signs of promise. A strong run from Max Hercules set the home side down the field on the 25-minute mark before Harry Jones was played in behind The Pirates' defence, only to connect with the side netting at a tight angle.
Five minutes later, Real were in again. Goalkeeper Eric Negaru initially cleared Ben Stevens' lobbed pass, but only as far as Bedford's number 7. He responded with a through ball to Archie Jones, who put the ball past Negaru for his first goal in Real Bedford colours.
Straight off the restart, Bedford was causing trouble again. This time, Mo Ahmed found space on the flank, and his well-weighted cross found Eddie Corbit at the back post, who smashed the ball on the volley into the back of the net to make it three goals in the first half for the away team.
However, The Pirates wanted more, and just before the break, Joey Evans managed to get a shot away from just outside the box, which the Tring keeper parried into the path of Corbit, who stared down a gaping goal but couldn't find the target from close range. The ball rattled the underside of the bar and was cleared out of harm's way by the Tring defence.
Then, with the clock in the red, Lee Watkins managed to dispossess Harry Shepherd in the Tring midfield, launching a Real counter-attack with moments of the half left to play. Archie Jones ran a good supporting line but couldn't find the target, with his shot deflecting off the keeper and into the side netting, denying Bedford from extending their lead before the whistle.
Second Half
The Grass Roots Stadium was treated to a more tame second half, as both sides understood the game was effectively over. However, Bedford finally managed to get their fourth goal, courtesy of Joey Evans. Ben Stevens placed a teasing ball down the right-hand side of the pitch for Archie Jones to chase. The midfielder cut back before squeezing the ball into the box for Evans to tap home, making Bedford's in-form striker the league's top scorer with ten goals in just eight games.Real Bedford return to action this Saturday on the road against Tring Athletic. Come down to support the team, or watch via the live stream link on the website.
Tring didn't fold and nearly managed a consolation effort late in the game. With 5 minutes left of the 90, Max Hercules got a shot away after a good run through the midfield from George Carberry. However, the effort did little to trouble McGregor in goal, who now boasts back-to-back clean sheets on the road.
Bedford return to McMullen Park this weekend to face Sawbridgeworth Town in the league, knowing that another 3 points could take them close to topping the table. Tickets are available to purchase here ahead of match day.
RBFC: McGregor, Corbit, Clifford (Burgess 72'), Wood ©, Swain (Steele 60'), Smith, Stevens (Setchell 65'), Watkins (Knight 60'), Evans, Jones (Gordon 78'), Ahmed
Tring Athletic 0 - 4 Real Bedford
2nd September, 2023
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: The Grass Roots Stadium
