Ponticelli earns Pirates a point in promotion clash

The hosts, who saw Josh Allen’s early penalty saved, had gone ahead on 18 minutes when Conor Tee’s teasing cross flew through the area and Josh Setchell arrived to fire through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Bury weren’t behind for long, levelling just 60 seconds later courtesy of Tommy Smith’s goal, and they took the lead themselves just before the hour mark courtesy of an own goal.

The Pirates bounced back, Jordan Ponticelli on target with 15 minutes left, as the visitors were reduced to 10 men for the final stages, Ryan Jolland sent off for a poor challenge as the spoils were shared.

Real Bedford had won their 10th game of the campaign on Saturday when hammering Stamford AFC 4-0 on the road.

The breakthrough came on 14 minutes when Ponticelli’s flick-on found Allen, who composed himself before finding the bottom corner.

Archie Jones had an effort saved, while Ponticelli struck the crossbar, as a second goal arrived midway through, Callum Kane’s cross converted by Ponticelli.

Keeper Craig King was called into action on the half hour mark, as Real Bedford led 3-0 by the break, Stevens’ delivery cushioned past the keeper by CJ Kiala.

After the break, Ponticelli then had a bicycle kick blocked before finding the net on the hour, only for the offside flag to rule out his effort.

Jack Morrell then came off the bench and with 20 minutes left, he completed the scoring, heading into the top corner from Stevens’ cross, as Rob Sinclair’s side could have added more, Tom Hitchcock wide late on.

Real Bedford go to Bishop's Stortford on Saturday and host Stourbridge next Tuesday evening.

» Real Bedford Women suffered a late setback at the Ledger Stadium as Exeter City came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division on Sunday.

The Pirates began brightly, Anele Komani firing them ahead after just 14 minutes, but instead of extending their advantage, Exeter levelled, Amber Pollock firing across Erica Meale to make it 1-1.

After the break, the hosts’ task became harder in the 78th minute when Grace Garrad received a second yellow card, leaving Real Bedford with 10 players, as Exeter took full advantage to claim all three points through Georgia Vaccaro’s late strike.

The Pirates host Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers in the FA Cup this weekend.

» Ampthill Town thrashed Stotfold Reserves 6-1 in the SSML Division One Cup on Tuesday night, Sam Holmes scoring twice, with Jack Kent, Kelvin Ossei-Addo, Charlie Mallett and Shea Greene on target.

Town also triumphed on Saturday when they picked up a 2-1 victory in the league at Buckingham Athletic, Joe Hankins and James Lauder with the goals.

» Kempston Rovers went down to a 4-0 loss at AFC Welwyn in the SSML Premier Division on Saturday, as Cranfield were beaten 2-1 by New Bradwell St Peter in Division One, Omojiseoluwa Bankole on target.