Real Bedford Exit Gladwish Challenge Cup
Real Bedford were knocked out of the Gladwish Challenge Trophy with a narrow loss over Codicote FC.
The hosts took a 2-goal lead inside the first 15 minutes, and despite a second-half comeback from The Pirates, Codicote were able to see out the match and progress to the next round.
Having made eight changes from the side who drew to Biggleswade United in the league three days prior, Rob Sinclair’s side suffered early blows as both Christos Pedrithes and Liam Hayden got the better of the Bedford defence on the counter to slot home two goals past Alfie Bozward.
Codicote remained composed at the other end of the pitch, as Tom Hitchcock, Joey Evans and Claston Gordon all had efforts denied by Declan Jackson and his accompanying defenders.
The Pirates did manage to pull one back before halftime when Joey Evans smashed home a good chance to half the deficit at the 25-minute mark, but that goal was cancelled out just before the break as Codicote once again slipped a ball in behind for Hayden to chip over Bozward.
Second Half
Despite the scoreline, Real Bedford remained in control of the match throughout the second half, maintaining possession and playing lots of good football in the opposition half; however, the Codicote defence remained strong and kept The Pirates honest with dangerous counters denied by James Ducket and Lewis Burgess.
Archie Jones proved a handful for Codicote defenders, and a good run down the by-line saw an opportunity to square the ball to Hitchcock, who tapped it in to chase, cutting the Codicote lead to one.
The arrival of Mo Ahmed and Josh Setchell continued to cause trouble for the hosts, as both players produced lethal crosses into the area. Joey Evans was then brought down in the box at the 75-minute mark, leaving the referee with little option but to point to the spot. Luke Knight stepped up and calmly slotted it past Jackson to put The Pirates back level.
As the game looked destined for penalties, a late mistake at the back cost Real Bedford dearly. Archie Jones played a back pass to Alfie Bozward, giving Codicote a chance to win the game. Hayden pounced on the ball, slid it past the keeper with moments left to spare, and punched Codicote’s ticket into the next round of the Gladwish Trophy.
RBFC: Bozward, Longden, Knight ©, Burgess, Jones, Watkins, Agemoh-Davies (Setchell 68’), Evans, Hitchcock, Gordon (Ahmed 68’)
Unused Subs: Smith, Walsh, Stevens
Codicote FC 4 - 3 Real Bedford
20th January, 2024
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: John Clements Memorial Ground
