The Pirates put 7 past Shefford on the road
With the 3 points convincingly won by Rob Sinclair's men, Real Bedford will again sit atop the league table at the end of the year. Hat tricks from Ben Stevens and Josh Setchell and a goal from Mo Ahmed secured the win at Shefford Sports Ground.
The goals started early again, with the first coming inside 9 minutes. Ben Stevens was allowed open pasture to run towards the Shefford goal, taking a wild shot towards the net from 25 yards. With keeper Jack Galatis assuming the ball would go wide, he remained rooted to the spot, but to his dismay, the ball nestled into the bottom left corner of the goal, leaving many around the ground stunned at Stevens' opener.
Minutes later, The Pirates created another excellent chance. Josh Setchell and Mo Ahmed combined in the area before laying it off to Evans, who had a go from point-blank range, but his effort fell straight into the lap of Jack Galatis.
Shefford got their best chance of the game up the other end of the field through Scott Metcalfe after a Dan Hammer ball released the winger, but his shot was struck straight at Tyler McGregor. A well-worked counter-attack from Bedford allowed Joey Evans to get in behind the Shefford defence shortly after, but the striker's chance knocked against the woodwork.
Ten minutes later, Real Bedford doubled their lead. Mo Ahmed took the ball from Adam Drakulic and combined with Ben Stevens down the left flank to allow Ahmed to travel down the by-line and square it to Josh Setchell, who smashed it into a vacant net.
Before the half-time whistle, The Pirates claimed their third. Josh Setchell gathered the ball on the left before finding Archie Jones inside the area. An unselfish pass from Jones allowed Stevens to get a first-time shot away, which slipped under Galatis, giving the midfielder a first-half brace.
Second Half
Rob Sinclair's side applied the pressure early in the second half, with three goals in 10 minutes. The first goal came seconds after the break. The Pirate's attackers worked harmoniously, with Josh Setchell benefiting from some fine interplay, smashing the ball into the top corner. Soon after, Ben Stevens collected his hat-trick through a similar move as Archie Jones set up Stevens for his 27th goal of the campaign.
The sixth goal came through Mo Ahmed. A signature run down the by-line saw the Bedford winger unleash a powerful shot that smashed the roof of the net, giving Ahmed a well-deserved goal to accompany his performance.
The final goal came with moments to spare in the match. Josh Setchell gifted the ball 15 yards out, rounded Galatis and tapped it home to collect his second hat-trick of the season.
Real Bedford now host Cockfosters on Saturday in hope of rounding off their 2023 with a win! Tickets are available here.
RBFC: McGregor, Burgess, Wood ©, Richardson, Smith (Knight 73’), Watkins, Setchell, Evans, Stevens (Gordon 84’), Ahmed, Jones (Corbit 64’)
Unused Subs: J.Ducket, Swain
Shefford Town & Campton 0 - 7 Real Bedford
27th December, 2023
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: Shefford Sports Ground
