Pirates run riot as they hit Stratford Town for six
Real Bedford ran riot against Stratford Town on Saturday as they romped to a 6-1 home victory in their Southern League Premier Central clash.
After Craig King tipped one effort over the bar, the hosts took the lead with just 10 minutes gone, Conor Tee curling a brilliant free kick into the net. Striker Josh Allen then went close twice, while Tee hit the bar with another set-piece, as Jordan Ponticelli had a shot which was blocked.
It was 2-0 in the closing stages of the first half, Sam Cartwright losing his marker and finding the back of the net with a brilliant header from Ben Stevens’ pinpoint corner. After the interval, the Pirates were awarded a penalty just four minutes in when CJ Kiala was brought down inside the area and Allen calmly stroked home the spotkick.
Jack Storer reduced the deficit for the visitors on 57 minutes, sent through to calmly chip King, but Real Bedford instantly restored their three-goal advantage, Tee latching onto Allen’s pass and picking out the far corner. The Pirates’ midfielder completed his hat-trick on the hour mark, when Allen’s dummy sent Stevens clear to pick out his team-mate for a simple finish.
Tom Hitchcock then came off the bench to complete the scoring with nine minutes left, heading in Ponticelli’s dangerous cross. Real Bedford travel to Halesowen Town this weekend.
» Real Bedford Ladies were well beaten at Fulham Ladies in their opening game of the FA Women’s League Southern Premier Division campaign, going down to a 4-1 loss.
The Cottagers found the back of the net in the first minute, Sophie Gillies tapping home, as she quickly added her second to make it 2-0. With 11 minutes gone, the Pirates looked to pull one back, Nicola Puddick’s cross met by Blue Bartlett-Antwi, who headed over the bar. As the Pirates searched for a goal, Lucy Wood forced the keeper into a good save. while they went close again before the break, Sophie Byrom’s cross met by Wood, Melis Mehmet following up to send an effort wide.
After the interval, Mehmet halved the deficit instantly from close range, as hunting for an equaliser, she then tried her luck from distance, with Wood off target too. With time running out, Stanbury produced an outstanding save, but Fulham were able to score two more late on through Ellena Olds.
The Ladies added two new signings last weekend, bringing in Millie Curnyn from Aston Villa and Birmingham City winger Molly Weaver on loan. Curnyn’s performances have earned recognition on the international stage, involved with the Lionesses from U12s to U17s level, as she said: “The ambition the club has is what really drew me in, and I can’t wait to hopefully help the team achieve its goals and have a successful season.”
Meanwhile, Weaver, who came through the Blues’ academy system, added: “I’m really excited to be here and hopefully contribute to what will be an amazing season. I’m looking forward to getting started, working hard and helping the team achieve our goals.”