Real Bedford put on a dominant display in their first clash with Biggleswade FC, securing a decisive 6-2 victory. Archie Jones and Ben Stevens each netted twice, while Drew Richardson and Tom Hitchcock added a goal apiece, maintaining the Pirates' hold on the top spot in the league.

The Pirates enjoyed a surprise visit at Ledger Stadium from former Premier League stars Gus Poyet and Mauricio Taricco, who attended the Bitcoin meet-up held before the match.

With football royalty watching on, the Pirates delivered a commanding performance, controlling possession and tempo from the start. They nearly took an early lead in the 4th minute when a precise pass sent Stevens behind the defense, though his chipped attempt narrowly missed the target. Bedford didn’t have to wait long, though—just a minute later, Setchell made an electric run down the right, using a clever step-over before crossing to Archie Jones, who fired low past Rose to open the scoring at 1-0.

In the 21st minute, Bedford had the chance to double their lead with a penalty after Isaac Galliford was brought down in the box by Adam Webb during a corner. Hitchcock confidently converted, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner for a 2-0 lead.

Biggleswade struggled to find their rhythm, with Hunt caught offside after a promising switch in the 27th minute. In an attempt to disrupt Bedford’s passing game, Biggleswade upped their tempo, pressing harder to close down space.

Despite Biggleswade’s defensive adjustments, the Pirates struck again to make it 3-0. Stevens and Setchell linked up beautifully, with Stevens finishing clinically from close range.

Biggleswade nearly clawed one back just before halftime when Bond found the net, but the goal was ruled offside, sending Bedford into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-35 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-23 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-25 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-50 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-110 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-91 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-100 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-34 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-46 copy.jpeg

Real Bedford FC vs Biggleswade FC 9NOV24-70 copy.jpeg

Second Half

The second half saw Biggleswade try to fight back, with Hayford sending a free-kick over the bar in the 52nd minute. But Bedford’s relentless attack continued. In the 56th minute, Jones latched onto a brilliant sequence of one-touch passing and finished calmly one-on-one with the keeper, extending the lead to 4-0.

Biggleswade’s Hunt came close with a powerful strike that hit the bar in the 60th minute, but McGregor made an impressive double save in the 66th, denying both Bond and Hunt. Just minutes later, Galliford drove into the box and Richardson cleverly diverted the ball past the keeper, pushing Bedford’s lead to 5-0.

Biggleswade scored late in the match, with Akinbusoye working hard to create an opening for Bond to score in the 77th minute, making it 5-1. A minute later, Hayford’s corner found Marsh, who teed up Akinbusoye to bring the score to 5-2.

Bedford, however, had the final say. In the 84th minute, Biggleswade’s defensive lapse gifted Stevens an opportunity, which he took with a composed finish, sealing a dominant 6-2 victory for the Pirates.

The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 23rd November, facing Hadley in the league. We will also be hosting a Business networking lunch starting from 12.00. Tickets for the match are available here.

RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S. Ward, Soile, Richardson, Watkins (T. Ward 79’), Jones (Nicolson 67’), Stevens, Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 79’), Setchell, Hitchcock

Unused subs: Longden, Evans

Real Bedford 6 - 2 Biggleswade
9th November, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Ledger Stadium