Real Bedford dominated early and took a deserved lead through Isaac Galliford in the 55th minute. However, Welwyn Garden City responded with two late goals from Bradley Wadkins and Bailey Stevenson to secure a 2-1 comeback victory. The defeat ended Bedford's pursuit of a third consecutive win.

On another hot day at the Ledger Stadium, Real Bedford faced Welwyn Garden City, hoping to secure their third consecutive victory in the league.

The Pirates took control early, dominating the first half with a confident display of confident possession football while stifling Welwyn's long-ball approach.

The first real opportunity came in the 17th minute when Isaac Galliford threaded a perfect through ball to Ben Stevens. The forward drove into the box but could only direct his shot straight at the Welwyn keeper, missing a golden opportunity to take the lead.

The Pirates continued to press and nearly found the breakthrough in the 26th minute. Josh Setchell, who was lively throughout, broke into the box and delivered a low cross that found Galliford, but his low drive was blocked on the line by the Welwyn defense.

Despite Bedford's dominance, the first half ended without a goal, with Welwyn struggling to create any meaningful chances.

Second Half

The second half started in a similar fashion, with Bedford controlling possession and Welwyn on the back foot. The breakthrough finally came in the 55th minute. Setchell once again caused problems down the left, breaking into the box after an excellent ball from Joey Evans. He delivered a cross which found Galliford, who made no mistake this time, drilling the ball home to give the Pirates a deserved lead.

The goal, however, galvanised Welwyn Garden City, who came into the game, pushing back The Pirates as they pressed for an equaliser. Their efforts paid off in the 73rd minute when Bradley Wadkins capitalised on a low cross, wrong-footing Bedford’s keeper, Tyler McGregor, to level the score with the referee waving away protests regarding a clear foul on Morrell in the build up.

The momentum had shifted, and just three minutes later, Welwyn took the lead. A mix-up between Galliford and Joey Evans gifted possession to the visitors, who launched a long ball into the box. Bailey Stevenson rose highest to head the ball over McGregor, completing the turnaround.

Despite their efforts, Real Bedford couldn’t find a way back into the game, and the match ended 2-1 in favor of Welwyn Garden City

RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, Kpohomouh, Richardson, Longden, Watkins, Nicolson (Corbit ‘80), Galliford (Agehoh-Davies 80’), Stevens, Setchell, Evans.

Unused Subs: Wood, T. Ward, S. Ward

Real Bedford 1 - 2 Welwyn Garden City
17th August, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Ledger Stadium