The Pirates Come From Behind to Win All Three Points
Real Bedford reached the halfway point of the season with a well earned three points, coming from a goal behind to beat playoff contenders FC Romania.
Real Bedford headed to Cheshunt on Saturday to face FC Romania, in a match crucial for both teams' playoff aspirations.
The game burst into life within the first 10 minutes. FC Romania's Toby Coker capitalised on a ball over the top down the left-hand side, outpacing the Pirate's defence and coolly slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper Tyler McGregor, giving the hosts an early lead.
Despite going behind, Real Bedford pushed hard to level the scores. However, they were met with a solid defensive display from FC Romania, limiting their chances. Joey Evans did find a breakthrough in the 20th minute, clean through and only the goalie to beat; he put his effort wide from the angle.
Not content with a 1-0 lead, FC Romania continued to threaten, with Malik Nosike causing problems all afternoon. They nearly doubled their advantage when McGregor's rushed clearance left the goal open, but the subsequent shot went wide.
As half-time approached with FC Romania seemingly in control, Real Bedford struck. Mo Ahmed's cross from the left found Josh Setchell, who brought the ball down and slotted it into the bottom right corner, levelling the game just before the break.
Second Half
The second half saw The Pirates emerge with a change in formation. Rob Sinclair bolstered their midfield, substituting the injured Tom Hitchcock for Archie Jones, allowing Bedford more control over the midfield. Evans, once again, had a golden opportunity to put The Pirates ahead, but his header from Mo Ahmed's cross agonisingly missed the target.
The match, poised for a draw, swung in Bedford's favour when FC Romania were reduced to 10 men. Zenon Stylianides's comments to the linesman earned him a trip to the sin bin. Bedford seized the advantage, and with 10 minutes remaining, Setchell's cross was converted by Evans, putting The Pirates in front.
The final nail in the coffin for FC Romania came five minutes later. Ben Stevens' corner found Lewis Burgess at the back post, who made no mistake in finding the net, securing the win for Real Bedford.
RBFC: McGregor, Burgess, Wood ©, Richardson, Smith, Setchell, Watkins, Evans, Stevens, Ahmed, Hitchcock (Jones 45’)
Unused Subs: Gordon, J.Ducket, Bozward, Walsh
FC Romania 1 - 3 Real Bedford
16th December, 2023
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Cheshunt Park
