Real Bedford Put Eight Past Colney Heath
Real Bedford put eight goals past Colney Heath in a dominant performance at McMullen Park. A hat-trick for Joey Evans and Josh Setchell, alongside goals from Matt Clifford and Tom Hitchcock either side of half-time, was enough to dispatch the London side in front of a lively home crowd.
The Pirates had the majority of chances, especially in the first half, with the first opportunity coming moments after the whistle. A long throw-in from Lewis Burgess caused issues for the Colney Heath defence, and Tom Wood was able to get a free header; however, the captain couldn't get enough connection on the ball to steer it home.
Moments later, Bedford came even closer to finding the back of the net. A Colney Heath defender steered Charlie Smith's indirect free-kick towards the back post; however, Matt Clifford's deflection flashed across the face of the goal in agonising fashion.
The Pirates soon broke the deadlock. A looped pass from Eddie Corbit was well-weighted down the right flank towards Josh Setchell. The winger then showed his skill by stopping and starting in front of the Colney defenders before slotting it past George Irons in the Colney Heath goal from a tight angle.
Two minutes later, Bedford doubled their lead. Quick thinking from Ben Stevens and Charlie Smith from the corner allowed Smith to whip in a tempting cross towards a huddle of Bedford and Colney Heath players, with Evans getting the lightest of touches to guide it over Irons and into the back of the net.
The Pirates continued to turn the screw scoring their third goal inside 10 minutes. With complete control of the midfield, Mo Ahmed found space to lay the ball off to Matt Clifford, who, from 30 yards out, released a powerful shot which deflected off Jamie Welling and into the back of the net.
Just before half-time, Real Bedford got their fourth. Eddie Corbit, working hard down the right flank again, drove towards the byline before making a direct pass to Joey Evans at the back post, who tapped it in for his brace just before half-time.
Second Half
Real Bedford similarly started the second half and soon extended their lead. A cross from Matt Clifford was initially blocked by Welling in the Colney Heath defence, but Josh Setchell picked up the ball at the back post and smashed it past Irons on a tight angle to get his second goal of the game.
Setchell continued to cause mayhem at McMullen Park, and moments later, from a short corner, he managed to get a shot away outside the area, which fired inches right of the Colney Heath goal. However, The Pirates' winger was soon rewarded for his hard work. Joey Evans played a short pass to Setchell on the edge of the area, who took a touch before smashing the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal to complete his hat-trick.
Ten minutes later, Colney Heath managed to find a consolation goal. The Pirates initially dealt with a short free-kick routine; however, Jamie Luniss managed to pick the ball up on the right flank as he slipped a low driven cross past Clifford and Burgess before finding George Sippetts, who toe-poked it home for Colney Heath's only goal of the game.
However, it didn't halt The Pirates' momentum, as they were soon back on the scoresheet. Luke Knight played a ball across midfield to Charlie Smith before Smith played a lobed pass to Tom Hitchcock. The replacement smashed the ball into the back of the net on the half-volley for his first goal of the season.
Bedford wasn't done there, and with just over five minutes to go, Claston Gordon managed to dribble his way towards the byline before crossing the ball into Joey Evans; despite the striker being under pressure from Colney Heath's defenders, he still managed to smash the ball into the roof of the net to make it three goals for him on the day.
Real Bedford will look to continue their league form into Tuesday evening when they face Biggleswade United away from home, knowing a win will take them to 2nd in the league.
RBFC: McGregor, Corbit (J.Ducket 78’), Clifford, Wood (c), Burgess (Swain 78’), Smith, Setchell (Gordon 66’), Watkins (Knight 66’), Evans, Stevens, Ahmed (Hitchcock 61’)
Real Bedford 8 - 1 Colney Heath
7th October, 2023
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: McMullen Park
