REAL BEDFORD TRIUMPH OVER HADLEY IN HARD FOUGHT AWAY WIN
By Will Murray
Real Bedford picked up another three points on the road, beating high-flying Hadley 2-0 at Brickfield Lane. The victory keeps the Pirates ahead of their closest title rivals, Berkhamsted, on goal difference with two games in hand.
Rob Sinclair’s side, who were playing their first game in 11 days, dominated the opening half. Joey Evans had two presentable chances in the first seven minutes – but was unable to convert both after receiving the ball from the lively Josh Setchell on both occasions.
The striker was not to be denied a third time, though, opening the scoring in the 17th minute. Drew Richardson threaded a ball through to Archie Jones on the left wing who dribbled into the box and saw his cross tucked home by Evans.
Despite the visitors’ dominance, Hadley were a threat from set-pieces throughout the match, coming close with a couple of efforts midway through the first half, including a free-kick from Finley Albridge which was saved by McGregor.
The Pirates continued to create chances as well, with Ben Stevens nearly doubling the advantage with a couple of half chances.
On the brink of half-time, the away team were presented with a golden opportunity after Hadley’s goalkeeper Luke Ward sliced his clearance – leaving Evans with the chance to add to his tally from point-blank range. His effort sailed over the bar, though, keeping the match at 1-0.
Second Half
After the break, Hadley vastly improved, pressing higher and forcing mistakes from the Pirates. Jordan Edwards was inches away from levelling in the 54th minute, but his right-footed shot went narrowly wide.
Their best chance came in the 67th minute, as Isaac Stones’ header hit the bar from close range after a long throw-in and the following rebound from Hermes Gbio was tipped over by McGregor.
The Pirates survived this scare and eventually put the game to bed in the 85th minute, thanks to Evans. He received the ball from Isaac Galliford before firing a right-footed shot into the top corner to secure the club’s 14th away win out of 15 in the league this season.
After the match, MOTM Shaheim Ward said:
“It was a very hot day, and we knew it was a must-win game against a team high up in the table. We came out strong and kept it going for the whole game.
“We prepared Tuesday and Thursday for this, and we knew we had to press hard and finish our chances. That’s exactly what we did today.”
The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 15th March hosting Northwood in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S.Ward, Longden (T.Ward 88’), Richardson, Jones (Nicolson 65’), Watkins, Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 92’), Setchell, Stevens (Snelus 88’), Evans (Hitchcock 88’).
Hadley 0 - 2 Real Bedford
8th March 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Brickfield Lane
