The Pirates share the points on the road against Cockfosters
A frustrating 90 minutes saw Rob Sinclair's men leave North London with a draw after having claims for a penalty waved away in the final minutes.
Real Bedford were back on the road this weekend in a tough battle against Cockfosters, who finished 5th in last season's campaign and from the off, both sides created chances, with initial chances falling to Ben Stevens and Mo Ahmed in the opening ten minutes for The Pirates.
Cockfosters created the first clear-cut chance. A defensive mistake opened up the defence, but Tyler McGregor continued his impressive start to the season, saving well at his near post.
The away side would take the lead with a goal from Joey Evans made by Josh Setchell, the winger following up his equaliser at FC Clacton on Tuesday with an assist. Running clear down the right, Setchell's cross found the head of Evans, who nodded it home to make it two goals in two consecutive league games for Real Bedford's summer signing.
However, it wasn't long before Cockfosters level. The referee awarded the home side a penalty after an untimely challenge from Bedford defender Tom Wood on Cockfosters' George Sippetts. Captain Matty Thomson stepped up and converted from the spot, bringing Cockfosters back into the game.
The rest of the half was relatively stagnant, with Real gradually taking control of possession without creating clear-cut chances while Cockfosters pushed hard on the break.
Second Half
The second half began similarly. Real continued to play the ball around the pitch, while Cockfosters would counterattack hard when back in possession.
Ben Stevens had the opportunity to put the visitors ahead after Real broke free down the wing, but his shot tantalisingly hit the post. Bedford kept knocking, and Charlie Smith's corner floated into Curtis Hartley before being cleared off the line by a tightly-packed Cockfosters backline.
The home side then saw their fair share of chances go begging after a shot from George Lutaaya was saved well by McGregor; this was followed by a one-on-one opportunity for George Sippetts, who failed to get a shot away with Tom Wood tracking back and robbed him of possession.
Cockfosters had another chance to take the lead following another mistake at the back, but again, Bedford's number one saved well to keep the game level.
The best chance of the second half was the most controversial. Winger Mo Ahmed raced into space on the left flank, driving the ball from past the halfway line into the box before being brought down recklessly by Aiden Read for what looked like a stonewall penalty. However, the referee waved the claims away, frustrating Real Bedford players and travelling fans.
Real Bedford are back in action this Tuesday, returning to McMullen Park for their replay against FC Clacton in FA Cup. The first time the club has hosted the prestigious competition in 7 years. Fans can purchase tickets for the game in advance or at the gate.
RBFC: McGregor, Hartley, Swain, Wood, Knight ©, Smith, Setchell (Brown 78’), Watkins, Evans, Stevens (Hitchcock 69’), Ahmed
Unused Subs: J.Ducket, Gordon, Corbit
POST-Match interview
Cockfosters 1 - 1 Real Bedford
12th August, 2023
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Cockfosters Sports Ground
