Second half strikes secure consecutive home wins for the Pirates
By Will Murray
Real Bedford secured their second home win in a week to maintain their place at the top of the Southern League Division One Central table. Joey Evans, Isaac Galliford and Josh Setchell scored the goals for the Pirates in a 3-1 victory against 20th placed Leverstock Green at The Ledger Stadium.
Rob Sinclair’s side struggled to break through the visitors’ defence in the opening half, with the first 25 minutes of the match devoid of any meaningful action. It wasn’t until the 29th minute that the Pirates seriously threatened when Ben Stevens’ right-footed shot went just wide of Reuben Rabstein’s left post.
Two minutes later, Bedford scored the opener when Stevens combined with Evans, striking the ball across the goalkeeper, who got a touch to the shot, but the strike nestled in the far corner to put the home side ahead.
Galliford and Evans had further chances for Bedford just before the break, with Daniel Pett also registering the visitors’ first shot on target. Both teams were unable to find an opening, though, meaning the Pirates went in a goal ahead at half-time.
Second Half
Despite Bedford’s dominance, they were unable to double their lead, and they were punished a minute before the hour mark when Kyle Connolly’s cross on the right-wing was glanced home by a Ryan Carruthers header.
The home side responded four minutes later when Callum Nicolson played through Galliford in the box, who evaded four defenders and fired past the goalkeeper into the roof of the net with his left foot. An incredible solo goal.
Bedford pushed on after the second, dominating possession and creating chances through the likes of Stevens and Setchell. The latter secured the three points for the hosts in the 84th minute when Evans slid Setchell through, and he tucked the ball past Rabstein with a powerful left-footed shot.
Leverstock Green nearly halved the deficit in the 90th minute when the substitute Oliwier Fusiek’s header from a free-kick was well saved by McGregor. Bedford held on to their 3-1 advantage – maintaining their two-point advantage at the top of the table.
Next up for the Pirates is a trip to Welwyn Garden City on Saturday, 25th January. After the game man-of-the-match Evans said:
“We’ll work hard throughout the week, and yeah, I can’t wait to get back on the pitch. I wish there was a Tuesday game!”
The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 1st February, facing Flackwell Heath in the league. Tickets for the match are available here
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S.Ward, Londgen, Richardson, Watkins, Nicolson, Stevens, Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 66’), Setchell (Knight 94’), Evans (Hitchcock 92’).
Unused subs: Soile
Real Bedford 3 - 1 Leverstock Green
18th January, 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
HIGHLIGHTS
