On a wet and soggy afternoon at The Ledger Stadium, Real Bedford hosted Ware, who came into the game sitting 8th in the league. Bedford, fresh off a dominant 4-0 win over Leighton Town in the FA Trophy, were eager to continue their strong form, but the difficult pitch conditions promised a tricky contest.

Both teams started brightly, creating early chances in the opening stages. In the 12th minute, Real Bedford appeared to have taken the lead when Ben Stevens delivered a perfect cross into the box for Callum Nicolson to tap home, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Barely a minute later, Ware seized their opportunity, catching Bedford off guard with a swift counterattack. Ware captain Jon Clements, who appeared to be in an offside position, made no mistake as he calmly slotted the ball past the keeper, giving Ware the lead. Despite the controversy, the goal stood.

Real Bedford responded well to going behind, applying pressure on the Ware defence. In the 23rd minute, it was Stevens again who provided the spark, whipping another superb cross into the box. This time, Shaheim Ward was on hand to fire the ball past the Ware goalkeeper, pulling Bedford level at 1-1.

The remainder of the half saw chances for both sides, but neither goalkeeper was seriously troubled, leaving the score tied at halftime.

Second Half

The second half began much like the first, with both teams creating opportunities but struggling to find a decisive final touch. Josh Setchell caused plenty of problems for Ware down the right-hand side, repeatedly getting into dangerous positions, but the crucial finishing touch eluded Real Bedford. Lee Watkins had the first clear-cut chance of the second half, breaking through one-on-one with the Ware keeper, but his shot was well saved, a let off for Ware.

As the match progressed, Bedford manager Rob Sinclair made several substitutions, hoping to inject fresh energy into the side and find a winner. Despite the wet and heavy conditions of the pitch, Bedford continued to press for a breakthrough. Ware, however, remained dangerous, and in the closing stages, they nearly snatched a winner. A well-placed shot was lobbed over McGregor, but the Bedford goalkeeper managed to tip the ball over the bar, preserving the 1-1 scoreline.

In the end, neither team could find a winning goal, and The match finished 1-1, with both teams somehow managing to avoid penalties despite several close calls.

The Pirates are next at home on Tuesday 1st October, facing Leighton Town in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.

RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S. Ward, Longden, Watkins (Hitchcock 88’), Richardson, Nicolson (Corbit 82’), Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 63’), Stevens, Setchell, Evans.

Unused Subs: Knight, T.Ward

Real Bedford 1 - 1 Ware
28th September, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Ledger Stadium