Real Bedford Taste Defeat Losing to London Tigers in the Division One Cup
Real Bedford lost their unbeaten run, losing 2 - 1 away to London Tigers in the Division One Cup.
(Please note that there are no highlights as we are not live streaming cup games this season).
Real Bedford travelled to Spratleys Meadow for the third time in a month to play London Tigers in the Division One Cup. The match was rearranged after the football postponement following Queen Elizabeth's death.
After a successful week in the league, seeing off both Moulton and Amersham and taking a five-point lead at the top of the league, Rob Sinclair made several changes ahead of another demanding month.
Tom Wood and Matty Clifford were rested in defence, with Jack Uttridge coming in for Clifford and Captain Luke Knight droppning into the centre of defence. The midfield also saw changes with James Duckett, Eddie Corbit, and Tom Hitchcock rested, with Andy Sinclair, Ben McGrath and Ryan Coyle all starting.
Bedford was well aware of London Tigers' pedigree after coming from behind to win 2 - 1 in the league earlier in the month, and this performance suggests that they will cause other teams difficulties this season.
The Tigers started strong and found themselves 1 - 0 up after 12 minutes after pouncing on a defensive mistake to put the home side ahead. And they could have doubled the lead six minutes later, hitting the inside of the post.
Bedford had the opportunity to level the game just before half-time. With Jordan Brown fouled in the box, Jim Burnside stepped up to take the kick, but his penalty went straight into the hands of the Tigers' keeper.
Second Half
While Tigers dominated the first half, Bedford dominated the opening 15 minutes of the second but could not turn possession into clear-cut opportunities. With Ty McLeod-Bentley introduced for Ryan Coyle, Bedford was able to stretch the game and were increasing pressure from the wings.
As the minutes ticked on, Rob Sinclair made changes, introducing Harry Murray and Tom Hitchcock. Despite the Bedford pressure, London Tigers would score the next goal. Taking advantage of a defensive mix-up, they went 2 - 0 up, and Bedford's unbeaten run was now seriously under threat.
As the game entered the 80th minute and with the game looking gone, Ty McLeod-Bentley pulled one back for Bedford. Breaking free down the left, he crossed into the box, but the ball went straight into the net, giving the visitors an opportunity of taking the game to penalties.
Bedford could not find a second goal, and the home side were worthy winners. Well played Tigers, and good luck in the next round.
Saturday (1st Octobers 2022) sees Bedford return to McMullen Park to play Lutterworth Athletic, looking to bounce back and maintain their winning record in the league.
RBFC: McGregor, R. Ducket, Knight (Joseph 76’), Uttridge, Coyle (McLeod-Bentley, 45’, Culley (Murray, 56’), McGrath (Wood, 65’), Owusu, Sinclair (Hitchcock, 60’), Brown, Burnside.
London Tigers 2 - 1 Real Bedford
Date: Tuesday 27th September, 2022
Kick-off: 19.30pm
Location: Spratleys Meadow
