Real Bedford Produce 5 Star Performance at MK Irish
Real Bedford progressed through to the second round of the FA Vase after a stunning performance against MK Irish away from home.
Having already competed against Irish twice this season, with the victories shared between the sides, The Pirates knew that they would need to produce an impressive performance to overcome the home side over the 90 minutes.
Despite starting as a relatively even competition, with both sides creating chances inside the first 20 minutes, a fluke moment allowed Real Bedford to take an early lead. Lewis Burgess' long throw-in from the left-hand side of the pitch soared into the area and towards Tom Ladyman in goal. The keeper punched the ball in an effort to clear the danger but mistimed his effort, and the ball instead ended up nestling in the top corner without any further touches from Bedford players.
Soon after, Real Bedford doubled their lead with a more technical move. Mo Ahmed, Josh Setchell and Ben Stevens all got moments on the ball in the final third off the back of a Pirates corner before Stevens hit a perfect strike past Ladyman to make it 2-0 to the visitors inside the 30-minute mark.
From a similar position to the first goal, another Lewis Burgess throw-in seemed to cause more issues for Irish, as the defender launched another ball into the area. The head of Ollie Swain met the throw, but the centre-back couldn't find the target, and Bedford headed into the break with a healthy 2-goal lead.
Second Half
It was more of the same from the away side in the second half, as Bedford continued to dominate possession and not allow MK Irish to get any chances towards goal. Ten minutes into the half, Lee Watkins linked up well with Ben Stevens on the right flank. The midfielder crossed the ball back into Joey Evans, whose shot was parried away by Ladyman but only as far as Ahmed, who tapped it in at the back post to further Real's advantage.
And it didn't take long for Ahmed to be in again. Just over 5 minutes later, Joey Evans headed on a clearance kick from Lewis Burgess into Ahmed's path, who raced clear of the defenders and chipped Ladyman to bag his brace, pushing Bedford 4 goals clear with 30 minutes left to play.
Despite being home and dry, The Pirates pushed for more. Ahmed was denied his hat-trick as a shot on a tight angle was inches away from hitting the top corner. Joey Evans was later denied from point-blank range as Ladyman smothered his shot on the turn from 2 metres out. Josh Setchell came close, cutting in from the left and curling a shot around the post in an audacious, low-driven effort.
But the final goal did soon come. Mo Ahmed was once again involved, Pickpocketing Clinton Zawe of possession before driving into the box and laying it off to Evans, who smashed it into a vacant net to further his impressive goal tally within the FA Vase competition.
Real Bedford now faces Biggleswade United at McMullen Park in the next round of the FA Vase on the 11th of November.
RBFC: McGregor, Corbit, Burgess, Swain, Knight ©, Smith, Setchell (Gordon 79'), Watkins (A.Sinclair 90'), Evans, Stevens (Hitchcock 74'), Ahmed
Unused Subs: J.Ducket, Walsh, Bozward
MK Irish 0 - 5 Real Bedford
21st October, 2023
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: The Irish Centre
