Real Bedford Take FC Clacton to a Replay on the Road
Real Bedford twice fought back from Clacton goals to take the FA Cup clash to a replay at McMullen Park.
A 2-2 final score with goals from Luke Knight and a late finish from Josh Setchell ensured the Pirates kept their Wembley dreams alive.
The game started end-to-end, with Clacton creating the first chance where Charlie Collis forced a strong save out of Tyler McGregor within the first 5 minutes. Real Bedford responded with Ben Stevens causing issues for the Clacton defence, with two chances narrowly missing the target in quick succession.
It wasn't long before the home side took the lead from a corner. Mekhi McKenzie, Clacton's top scorer from last season, rose the highest in the area to give Clacton the lead within 15 minutes. However, The Pirates managed an instant response from a corner of their own. Charlie Smith's cross found Luke Knight, who knocked the ball over the line to bring things back level.
Real took control after the goal, and Jordan Brown broke free through on goal, but the linesman flagged him offside, to the disappointment of the travelling fans. Upon review of the replay, the linesman had made the correct call.
Both teams created chances throughout the first half. Still, there was nothing to test either keeper, so the players went in at the break with little to separate them as the heavens started to open and rain fell across Clacton, worsening conditions for the second half.
Second Half
The rain did not cease as the players returned to the field, preventing the game from flowing as mistimed tackles became more regular, with several Clacton players seeing yellow.
The stop-start nature of the second half seemed to suit the hosts as they put early pressure on the Real defence, rewarded with their second goal to re-establish their lead 5 minutes into the second period. Jake Clowsley broke through the Real defence before beating McGregor with a chip.
Despite conditions and the scoreline against The Pirates, Rob Sinclair's team showed resilience, pushing hard for an equaliser. Despite the end-to-end action, there were few clear chances until The Pirates levelled the game in the 85th minute. Jordan Brown held a ball up well before laying off to Joey Evans, who hit a first-time pass over the Clacton defence to put Josh Setchell clear through on goal. The new signing for Real placed the ball under the keeper's legs, to the delight of the travelling fans.
The aftermath of the goal celebration led to an altercation off the field which soon involved players from both sides. As the Clacton bench raced across the field and jumped over the fence to join the melee, they were soon followed by the Bedford team. The referee then brandished a red card to Real Bedford captain Luke Knight for his involvement, a puzzling decision that left The Pirates at a significant disadvantage with time still on the clock.
Real Bedford controlled the latter stages of the game, snuffing out multiple chances for the home team to put the game to bed, forcing the fixture to a replay at McMullen Park.
After the game, manager Rob Sinclair was proud of his side's spirit and determination:
"The boys showed real character tonight in conditions that suited Clacton way more than ourselves, the game management shown by this young side, especially when reduced to 10 men was outstanding in what was a crazy game. Hopefully, we can now go finish the job at home."
RBFC: McGregor, Gordon (Hartley 65'), Swain, Wood, Knight ©, Smith, Setchell, Watkins (Corbit 72'), Evans, Stevens, Brown
Unused Subs: Kalek, Taylor
FC Clacton 2 - 2 Real Bedford
8th August, 2023
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: The Austin Arena
