The Pirates Clock Up Second League Win Away at Barton Rovers
Real Bedford secured a dominant 4-0 away victory against Barton Rovers, maintaining their perfect start to the season. Goals from Morrell, Watkins, Evans, and Stevens sealed the win for The Pirates.
Real Bedford arrived at Sharpenhoe Road eager to build on their opening day success against Hertford Town. From the first whistle, The Pirates made their intentions clear, dominating the midfield and allowing Barton Rovers little time on the ball.
Joey Evans had an early chance to put the visitors ahead, but his effort was well thwarted by Tyler Joseph in the Barton goal. Despite this, it wasn’t long before Real Bedford took the lead. A well-delivered corner by Ben Stevens found Jack Morrell at the back post, who headed home his first goal for The Pirates, putting the visitors in front.
Real Bedford continued to push for a second goal, but the Barton defence held firm, frustrating their attempts. Despite Bedford’s dominance in possession, they went into the halftime break with a slender 1-0 lead.
Second Half
The second half saw Real Bedford maintain their high press and control of the midfield, this time using the slope of the pitch to their advantage and their hard work was rewarded in the 65th minute when Ben Stevens, who had been a constant threat, delivered a low cross that evaded everyone except for the oncoming Lee Watkins, who calmly slotted the ball home for his first league goal for The Pirates.
Just minutes later, Bedford extended their lead to 3-0, effectively putting the game beyond Barton. A tricky run into the box by Callum Nicolson drew a foul, earning Bedford a penalty. Joey Evans stepped up confidently and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, placing his shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
Real Bedford continued to press forward, and there was still time for a fourth goal. In the 76th minute, Stevens added his name to the scoresheet, pouncing on a rebound after Joseph had saved well from an initial Evans shot.
The match ended 4-0, a convincing win that sees The Pirates move up to third in the table, one of five sides winning their opening two games.
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell (Swain ‘82), Kpohomouh, Richardson, Longden (S. Ward ‘80), Watkins (T. Ward ‘78), Nicolson, Galliford (Agemoh-Davies ‘70), Stevens, Setchell (Corbit ‘78), Evans.
Barton Rover 0 - 4 Real Bedford
13th August, 2024
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: Sharpenhoe Road
