Nine-man Real Bedford suffer first league defeat
Real Bedford’s unbeaten Southern League Premier Central came to an end with a 3-1 defeat at Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday, the visitors finishing the game with nine men after dismissals for Craig King and Jordan Ponticelli.
After the Pirates made a bright start, the contest changed significantly with 17 minutes gone when goalkeeper King was sent off, as boss Rob Sinclair brought on striker Tom Hitchcock to take over between the posts.
The striker was immediately called into action, saving a free-kick, but despite their numerical disadvantage, Real Bedford continued to threaten, Josh Setchell and Josh Allen going close.
However, it was Stortford who broke the deadlock after 32 minutes when Hitchcock slipped when trying to clear a long ball forward, which allowed Tyrone Baker to square to Frank Norris, who found the unguarded net.
The Pirates tried to hit back, Ponticelli heading over, Conor Tee seeing his shot saved, but in added time, the hosts led 2-0, Baker hitting the crossbar, Norris converting the rebound.
After the break, Real Bedford had a lifeline just seven minutes in, Ben Stevens meeting Benji Mensah’s cross to half the deficit.
Sinclair’s side continued to look for a leveller, Tee dragging wide, but the Pirates’ recovery was checked when Bishop’s Stortford were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute, Drew Richardson booked for his challenge, Baker converting the spotkick.
Real Bedford’s task became harder in the 81st minute when Ponticelli received a second yellow card, leaving the Pirates with nine players for the closing stages, as they went down to a first league loss of the campaign.
The Pirates were also beaten again on Tuesday night, as they were beaten 1-0 by Stourbridge at the Ledger Stadium, Charlie Pavey with the only goal of the game on nine minutes.
Real Bedford will look to bounce back at Worcester City this weekend.
The Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Jack Snelus has joined Hitchin Town on a short-term loan.
The forward returns to his former club after joining Real Bedford from the Canaries in July 2024, scoring twice in nine appearances, and having recently returned following an ACL knee injury, it will give the ex-Luton Town youngster a chance to gain valuable first team football.
» Real Bedford Ladies secured a place in the second round of the Women’s FA Cup with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers on Sunday.
The breakthrough arrived on the half hour, when Ellie Head powered her finish into the net, as the Pirates doubled their advantage seven minutes later, Mollie Weaver teeing up Sophie Byrom, who slotted into the bottom corner.
The increasingly influential Melis Mehmet added a third before the interval, while in the second period, Zynia Delglyn smashed home a loose ball to make it 4-0, Anele Komani curling in a terrific fifth, to set up a home tie against FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division side Fulham.