Setchell brace secures valuable three points at Beaconsfield
By Will Murray
A brace from Josh Setchell secured a critical 2-1 victory against Beaconsfield Town at Holloways Park. The Pirates moved within a point of league leaders Berkhamsted, maintaining their 100% away record in the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central.
Beaconsfield started quickly in the first-half, coming closest to scoring the opener in the 15th minute when Akiel Raffie’s curling free-kick from 25 yards was well saved by Tyler McGregor. Bedford responded with half chances for Setchell and Archie Jones, but the two teams struggled to gain any serious momentum.
Eli Grant created the best chance of the half for the hosts in the 41st minute, going on a mazy run past two Bedford defenders before his shot was well blocked. The Rams’ number 10 also saw his headed attempt from a long throw saved by McGregor shortly after, meaning the teams went in level at the break.
Second Half
Rob Sinclair’s side dominated the early stages of the second half, with Isaac Galliford dragging a left-footed shot wide after 55 minutes. A minute later, Galliford’s through ball found Jack Morrell, but his poked shot was well saved by Eddie Brearey.
Bedford’s pressure was finally rewarded in the 58th minute when Galliford’s perfectly weighted pass released Setchell on the left wing, who cut inside, and his right-footed effort went in off the post.
Two minutes later, the Pirates came close to doubling their lead when Joey Evans sent through Setchell, but his effort narrowly went past the goalkeeper’s post. Bedford’s dominance continued with Ben Stevens also seeing his left-footed shot tipped over the bar in the 63rd minute.
Eight minutes later, Galliford played a short corner to Stevens, who lifted the ball into Shaheim Ward in the middle of the box. His headed effort forced an impressive one-handed stop from Brearey to keep the match in the balance.
After surviving a flurry of chances from the visitors, Beaconsfield equalised in the 77th minute when Charlie Smith’s low cross was tapped in by Manu Oke-William.
Sinclair’s side kept pushing despite this setback, securing a succession of corners, which were well defended by the hosts. In the 86th minute, the Pirates put themselves ahead again when Stevens threaded the ball through to Setchell in the box, who drove it past the goalkeeper.
It was a tense end to the game as the hosts looked for another leveller, but Bedford managed to hold on for the three points and close the gap to Berkhamsted
The Pirates host Aylesbury United in the league on Saturday 21st December. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, Soile, S.Ward, Richardson, Galliford, Jones, Watkins, Stevens, Setchell, Evans (Hitchcock 72’)
Unused subs: Longden, T.Ward, Agemoh-Davies, Nicolson
Beaconsfield Town 1 - 2 Real Bedford
14th December 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Holloways Park
