The Pirates produce a second-half victory against 10-man Leverstock
Real Bedford gained all three points at McMullen Park after a strong performance against promotion-pushing Leverstock Green. Goals from Josh Setchell and Joey Evans came in between a second yellow for Radu Stefanoaica, leaving Leverstock a man down for the final stages of the game.
Like the reverse fixture just a few weeks prior, the game started with high intensity as both sides fashioned chances in the first half. The best opportunity for the visitors came through a mistake by The Pirates. Dan Petts' lofted ball was met by Eniola Agemoh-Davies, who attempted to knock the ball back to McGregor. However, a miscommunication between the two meant the ball trickled just wide of the empty net, saving Bedford's blushes early on.
Just before the break, Ben Stevens got two shots on goal, forcing a good save out of Liam Gauthier before smashing the follow-up into the side netting.
Second Half
Real Bedford kept a lot of the ball but failed to find that finishing touch—until the hour mark. Under pressure from the Leverstock attack, an excellent pass from McGregor found Joey Evans, who flicked the ball in behind for Josh Setchell to chase. One-on-one, the winger made no mistake, tucking the ball into the bottom left to give The Pirates the lead.
Things would soon turn from bad to worse for the visitors as their top goal scorer, Radu Stefanoaica, saw two quick yellows inside 10 minutes, forcing him off the pitch for an early shower.
With the numbers advantage now at play, Bedford doubled their lead. Charlie Smith found Ben Stevens in a vacant midfield, giving him ample time to find a through ball to Joey Evans, who slotted home the chance for his 37th goal of the campaign.
Two minutes later, Bedford thought they had found a third. A looped ball over the Leverstock defence found Ben Stevens, who controlled it and met it on the half volley, forcing an acrobatic save out of Gauthier to keep the score at 2-0.
The Pirates then hit the post twice. Firstly, Charlie Smith rattled the woodwork with a 25-yard free-kick before Claston Gordon came close to his first campaign goal after a slaloming run down the wing saw his cross rattle the post late in the half.
However, the damage was done, and The Pirates walked away with the spoils. Real Bedford now travel to Shefford Town & Campton on Tuesday in the League Cup before facing Dunstable Town at McMullen Park on Saturday. Tickets are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Corbit, Agemoh-Davies, Wood, Richardson, Smith, Setchell (Hitchcock 90'), Knight (Gordon 81'), Evans, Stevens, Jones
Unused Subs: Bozward, Ducket, Burgess
Real Bedford 2 - 0 Leverstock Green
16th March, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: McMullen Park
