Sinclair records 200th win as Real Bedford FC boss
Milestone reached by Pirates manager
Real Bedford made the perfect start to their Southern League Premier Central season this week by picking up two victories.
The Pirates enjoyed a 4-2 victory against Leamington at home on Saturday, before heading to Peterborough Sports and returning with a 2-0 success in midweek. A cagey opening at the weekend saw Real Bedford go close through Josh Allen and Conor Tee. Jordan Ponticelli’s attempt was well blocked, although Leamington took the lead on 17 minutes, Louie Rea rolling the ball beyond Craig King.
The hosts looked to level, Allen denied by keeper Cian Tyler, while at the other end, King repelled Cameron Eubank’s attempt. The Pirates thought they had levelled just before the interval, only to see Allen’s close-range attempt ruled out for offside. Real Bedford did find an equaliser in first-half stoppage time, Ben Stevens and Tee combining for Ponticelli to score with a deflected attempt.
Leamington restored their advantage just seven minutes after the restart, Kyle Finn making it 2-1. Once again, the Pirates responded quickly, Allen squaring for Ponticelli to find the net on 55 minutes. Real Bedford continued to push forward, CJ Kiala firing narrowly over, as Drew Richardson sent Allen away to round Tyler, only for Nat Kelly to clear brilliantly off the line.
The visitors had a golden chance to regain the lead with less than 10 minutes remaining, Koby Arthur blazing over, Real Bedford making them pay on 85 minutes, Tee curling a brilliant free kick into the top corner. King then made an outstanding save from Wreh, as the Pirates wrapped up the points in the final minute, Stevens shooting into the top scorer.
After recording his 200th win as Real Bedford manager against Leamington, Rob Sinclair said: “The courage the players showed to keep coming back was outstanding. To a man, everybody was brilliant.” The Pirates visit Banbury United this weekend.