Real Bedford clocked up another comprehensive victory at McMullen Park with a healthy 7-1 win over Holmer Green. The Pirates continued their recent run of good form, with several players getting on the scoresheet in front of the Bedford faithful.

Despite the dominant scoreline, Real Bedford were slow off the mark against Holmer Green. Struggling to keep possession in the midfield, The Pirates failed to register a clear chance in the first 20 minutes of play before Jordan Brown was presented with an opportunity to add to his tally. Eddie Corbit flicked the ball into the path of Tom Hitchcock, who laid it off to the debutant Ben Fitzjohn and he crossed back into the middle to Brown, but the striker stumbled in front of an empty net, and the ball ran under his feet, leaving fans with their heads in their hands.

A Luke Knight free-kick brought the next chance, this time for Matt Clifford, who picked up the ball after a strong parry off the captain’s set-piece effort. However, this led to the first of many goal-line clearances throughout the day.

It wasn’t long before the goal came. Real caught Holmer Green on the counter, and a threaded ball by Eddie Corbit found Jordan Brown through the middle, who this time made no mistake in front of goal with a composed finish past the keeper to net his 25th of the season.

A second goal for Bedford came quickly - a solid shot from Eddie Corbit tested the keeper forcing a corner for the home team. A perfect Luke Knight delivery found Andy Sinclair in the area, who headed the ball home for Real Bedford’s second goal in as many minutes.

Real Bedford managed to bag their third just before the halftime break. Luke Knight was once again the provider feeding a ball through to Eddie Corbit, who went on a mazy run before releasing a shot from outside the box. The ball fizzed through the legs of the Holmer Green keeper, allowing for the teenager to find the back of the net for the second time in a week.

Second Half

Similarly to the first half, Real Bedford got off to a slow start in the second period, conceding a goal just minutes from the whistle. A Holmer Green free-kick caused problems at the back, and striker Kobi Ambrose capitalised with a half-volley deflected shot which found the back of the net.

It didn’t take the Pirates too long to re-establish their three-goal cushion. Ten minutes from the Holmer goal, Tom Hitchcock came deep to retrieve the ball and play in Fitzjohn out wide. His short ball to Brown set up a shooting position for the striker, whose chance was parried by the keeper but only as far as fresh-faced replacement Culley who showed composure to smash the ball into an empty net for his first goal for the club.

Some more tactical changes brought fresh legs for Bedford, which were utilised well into the game's latter stages. A counter-attacking chance allowed Hitchcock to play a floated ball over defenders towards substitute Dan Walker who, after an initial heavy touch, managed to steal the ball from the goalkeeper's control and fire it into an empty net, deflecting into the top right-off a valiant Holmer Green defender.

Real rounded off nicely with two relatively identical goals from corners giving Tom Woods a rare brace for a defender. Luke Knight's corners caused trouble for the away side all afternoon, and twice he found Tom Wood in the area within the last 5 minutes of the game.

There were smiles all around McMullen Park as Real Bedford coasted to another comfortable home win, keeping the title challengers at arm's length with a 10 point buffer maintained between 1st and 2nd.

Bedford continues the run-in towards the end of the season with another clash at home this Saturday, 11th March, against Burton Park Wanderers. Tickets are available on the club website, while those outside of the UK can follow the stream live.

RBFC: McGregor, Gordon, Clifford, Knight ©, Wood, J. Ducket, Fitzjohn (Walker 68'), A. Sinclair (Culley 54'), Hitchcock, Corbit (Owusu 79'), Brown.

Unused Subs: McGrath, Uttridge.