Six goals and six points clear as the Pirates dominate ten-man Stotfold
By Will Murray
Real Bedford extended their lead at the top of the Southern League Division One Central table to six points, beating ten-man Stotfold 6-0 at the Ledger Stadium. Lee Watkins, Archie Jones, Joey Evans, Ben Stevens and Tom Hitchcock scored the goals for the Pirates.
Before the match, Southern League director Steve Hyde presented Captain Lee Watkins with the February Team of the Month award, for a second month in a row, showcasing the teams fantastic form of recent.
The visitors looked dangerous in the first 15 minutes, pressing high and coming close to opening the scoring after a succession of corners. Josh Setchell also had the opportunity to score early on after being sent through by Stevens, but his effort was blocked by Alfie Bonfield.
Rob Sinclair’s side had efforts through Drew Richardson, Evans and a glancing header from Jack Morrell, but they continued to struggle to break down a well-organised Stotfold defence.
The game changed in the 23rd minute, though. Richardson and Ashley Kersey challenged for the ball, and when the Pirates’ number two landed, Stotfold’s striker stamped on Richardson, meaning he was given a straight red card.
It didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead with a man advantage. In the 26th minute, Eniola Agemoh-Davies’ shot from the left was parried straight to the incoming Watkins, who tapped home from close range.
One became two just before the break. After Jones’ effort was initially blocked, he fired home the second attempt past Bonfield to double the lead.
Second Half
Four minutes into the second half, the Pirates scored the third. Richardson expertly flicked the ball through to Evans, who descended on goal and confidently slotted home.
The chances kept on coming against a tiring Stotfold side. Evans, Setchell and Jack Snelus all had notable opportunities to make it four, but they were unable to find a way past Bonfield, who made a number of impressive saves on the night.
The Pirates scored the fourth via Stevens in the 65th minute. Brett Longden found the Pirates’ number 10 over the top of the visitors’ defence, and he fired a powerful right-footed shot in off both the crossbar and the post to extend the lead further.
Three minutes later, Evans picked up his second of the night. Agemoh-Davies, who returned to the starting lineup in place of Isaac Galliford, sent through the in-form striker, who easily tucked the ball home.
Tom Hitchcock was the final change of the night, replacing Agemoh Davies in the 74th minute. The 32-year-old looked lively on the night, coming agonisingly close to adding a sixth in the 86th minute when his header from a Stevens cross went just wide of the post.
He scored a deserved goal just before the final whistle, receiving the ball from Setchell and striking a first-time, right-footed effort into the bottom left corner.
After the match, Sinclair said:
“It wins you games of football. If you can keep the balls out of the back of your net, with the quality we’ve got, I’d like to think we’re going to score goals. Impressive from everyone – it’s a collective to get clean sheets, so I’m really happy.”
The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 29th March, facing Beaconsfield Town in the league. Tickets for the match are available here
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S. Ward, Longden (T. Ward 69’), Richardson, Watkins (Nicolson 66’), Jones (Snelus 61’), Agemoh-Davies (Hitchcock 74’), Stevens, Setchell, Evans.
Unused subs: Galliford.
Real Bedford 6 - 0 Stotfold
25th March, 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
