Allen at the double as Real Bedford stay in play-off hunt
There were mixed fortunes for promotion-chasing Real Bedford over Easter as they remain third in the table.
The Pirates were unable to take anything from their Good Friday trip to sixth-placed Kettering Town, despite Ben Stevens’ 60th-minute equaliser, as the game finished 2-1 to the hosts to strenghten the Poppies' case for a play-off spot.
But Real bounced straight back on Easter Monday to thump visiting Bishop's Stortford 4-0 and now this Saturday head for fifth-placed rivals Redditch United before a Tuesday home clash with Leiston as they seek to seal their play-off berth.
Josh Allen scored Monday's opener after 21 minutes.
Josh Setchell then won the ball and set up Conor Tee for the second six minutes after the break.
Harry Gray's first goal for the Pirates four minutes from time sealed the points and two minutes later Gray released Allen one on one for his brace and Real's fourth.
On Friday, the first chance of the game fell to Kettering.
The Poppies had a free kick in a dangerous area, but Real Bedford defended well. The hosts went on to create another excellent opportunity as an awkward ball nearly found the back of the Pirates' net.
Real started to grow into the game, Setchell and Jones linked up well down the right-hand side, but it didn’t lead to anything.
Just moments later, Hilliard had a shot which went just wide.
Despite this, Kettering took the lead in the 18th minute as William Van Lier scored his first goal for the club.
Five minutes later, the hosts went close to doubling their lead.
Isaacson had a shot which was deflected and pushed away by King. Thanoj was unable to convert the rebound, sending it wide.
Kettering had shouts for a penalty, but they were waved away, Stevens made a promising run, but the hosts defended well.
After four minutes of stoppage time, the first half finished 1-0 to Kettering.
Just after half-time, the Poppies had another excellent chance, but the Pirates cleared it off the line, the second goal-line clearance of the match.
In the 58th minute, boss Rob Sinclair made his first changes with Conor Tee coming on to replace Jack Morrell.
Ben Stevens scored the equaliser, his 12th goal of the season, after Kettering’s goalkeeper fired a clearance straight at him, allowing Stevens to lob the keeper.
However, Kettering regained the lead just minutes later as Eddie Panter managed to convert from the penalty spot.
In search of another equaliser, Setchell made a great run down the wing, but his cross didn't find anyone.
King made two excellent back-to-back saves to keep Real in the match.
Ben Stevens had an effort from range that came to nothing and fired another in the 93rd minute that went just wide.