The Pirates held to a draw against Baldock Town
A last-minute penalty save from the hosts prevented Real Bedford from taking the spoils in a tough match at New Lamb Meadow.
The visitors started the brighter of the two teams, with chances plenty in the first half. Mo Ahmed, Archie Jones and Joey Evans all with shots towards goal, the latter hitting the post, all within the first 30 minutes.
Bedford found a goal just before the break, a floated ball from Drew Richardson was controlled well by Joey Evans on the edge of the area. The striker then produced an incredible moment of magic, flicking it over the Baldock defender and connecting with a half-volley effort, wrapping the ball into the bottom right of the goal, a finish worthy of a lead for the visitors.
Second Half
Baldock came out of the blocks at the start of the second half, looking to bring the game to Bedford. After igniting their first real chances of the half in the first 10 minutes, Malaki Black's corner managed to find its way into the back of the net, levelling the game.
The Pirates seemed to resume control of proceedings then, maintaining their lion's share of possession. However, Baldock managed to catch Bedford on the counter, and Jamie Breen was given a chance in open play to beat McGregor one-on-one, which he dispatched, giving Baldock the lead for the first time in the game.
However, it wouldn't last long. 2 minutes later, Archie Jones managed to make his way into the penalty box, driving towards the by-line and cutting the ball back to Ben Stevens, who tapped it home to put The Pirates back on level terms.
With minutes left on the clock, Rob Sinclair's men resorted to a Lewis Burgess long throw, which proved fruitful as a Tom Wood shot was only stopped on the line by the hand of Malaki Black. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and brandished Black with a red card. Joey Evans stepped up to take the penalty but couldn't get it past David Arches, who produced a solid save to his left and then denied Mo Ahmed from close range during the follow-up.
Despite holding the man advantage, Real Bedford didn't have time on their side, and the referee blew the final whistle soon after, ending the visitor's 16-game win streak with just a point to take back to McMullen Park.
Real Bedford now face Stansted on the road on Tuesday in another vital league clash. Live coverage of the game, which is available for all to view, can be found here.
RBFC: McGregor, Wood (c), Burgess, Richardson, Watkins, Smith, Setchell (Agemoh-Davies 82’), Jones (Hitchcock 74’), Stevens, Evans, Ahmed
Unused Subs: Knight, Corbit, J.Ducket
Baldock Town 2 - 2 Real Bedford
27th January, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: New Lamb Meadow
