Real Bedford start New Year in seventh place after home setback against St Ives Town
Real Bedford begin the New Year away at Bishop's Stortford in seventh place in the Southern League Premier Central table on Saturday, four points off the play-off places with two games in hand.
It could have been even closer but they went down 3-1 at home to St Ives Town in their final game of 2025 on Saturday.
The visitors went ahead on 25 minutes when Liam Cross sent a free kick to the back post where Duncan Idehen rose above his marker.
Had he met the header cleanly it may well have been saved. But the ball came off his shoulder and gently looped over keeper Craig King into the far corner.
Just before the break Jahrel McKoy hit a fierce drive from 15 yards that keeper Craig King did brilliantly to tip the ball onto the inside of the post. But Theo Alexandrou was first to the loose ball to make it 2-0.
After Archie Jones had rattled the angle on the hour for Bedford, St Ives added a third on 84 minutes when substitute Ethan Creary headed home a far post cross.
Josh Allen did finally grab a goal for the hosts, but it was nothing more than a consolation as he fired home a half volley after good work from Conor Tee down the left with two minutes to go.