Real Bedford won another dogfight under the Tuesday night lights to make it 10 from 10 in the league.

A rugged victory in harsh conditions against a previously struggling Raunds Town, demonstrated strong character and resilience throughout the 90 minutes as Bedford wrapped up another three points.

Both sides fielded very different teams from the previous encounter, which saw Bedford run away with a 9 - 1 win in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy. Under new management, Raunds retained only three first-11 players from that result, while Bedford was forced to make several changes due to sickness and injuries.

The win for Bedford did not come easy, and the home side was the beneficiaries of most chances in the first quarter.

The first opportunity fell to Raunds as Rio Henry caught Archie Culley in possession inside the Bedford half and set up Rich Boah in a dangerous position; however, his shot was wide of the mark. Moments later, Raunds were back in front of goal, Freeman with a dangerous dribble into the area forcing a save out of Real Bedford keeper Tyler McGregor, who kept his 4th clean sheet of the season.

After Raunds opening period of dominance, it was Bedford who drew first blood. Clifford’s cross found Murray, whose deflected shot landed at the feet of Owusu. The young winger unleashed a shot at goal, but his effort hit the arm of Raunds’ Aaron Addy, and the referee pointed to the spot. There was little the defender could do to move his arm away, and the home side surrounded the referee to question his decision.

Matt Clifford jumped at the chance to score his second of the season, converting the ball comfortably past the keeper, giving Bedford the lead heading into the half-time break.

Second Half

Bedford came out of the changing rooms with their tails up, and despite playing against the blistering wind for the second period, there was an noticeable increase in energy levels.

Real Bedford came up with the first real chance of the second half. Rob Ducket laid the ball off to Ty McLeod-Bentley, who took his opportunity and released a powerful shot from a tight angle, forcing a save out of George Anthony in goal. The ball ricocheted to Jordan Brown, who failed to find the net with a headed attempt after good pressure from the Raunds defence.

It wasn’t long, however, before Bedford found another opportunity to double their lead; this time, it was the defensive acumen of Corbit in the middle of the park, snuffing Raunds of possession before finding a perfectly weighted lofted pass over to Brown. Holding up in the wind and catching keeper Anthony in no-mans-land. Brown trapped the ball and found the empty goal with a calm and collected finish.

Corbit was again at the heart of the next Real Bedford attack, threading a ball through to Brown, who in turn palmed it off to McLeod-Bentley out wide. The winger produced a perfect delivery across the face of goal which Harry Murray overran, a disappointing moment for the midfielder who was inches away from his first goal in Real Bedford colours.

Bedford controlled the game's closing stages, and further shots from Murray, Brown and Culley tested Anthony to varying degrees without finding the net.

It was another victory on the road for Bedford, extending their lead at the top of the table as other teams were not in action.

Bedford returns to McMullen Park on Saturday (8th October) to face Winslow in what will be another test of their 100% record.

RBFC: McGregor, McLeod-Bentley (Coyle, 88’), Owusu, J.Ducket ©, Uttridge, Clifford, R. Ducket (McGrath, 75’), Culley (Sinlair, 81’), Brown, Murray, Corbit.