Real Bedford stage comeback to secure thrilling 3-2 victory over Aylesbury United
By Will Murray
Real Bedford maintained their three-point lead at the top of the Southern League Division One Central table, beating Aylesbury United 3-2 at The Ledger Stadium. Isaac Galliford, Josh Setchell and Joey Evans scored the goals for the Pirates, with Evans scoring the winning penalty in the 76th minute.
Rob Sinclair’s side started quickly, with Evans and Jack Morrell coming close in the first 10 minutes. Despite the positive start, the visitors went ahead after 14 minutes when Luqman Kassim produced a low cross from the right-hand byline to Maksymillian Jarzabek, who slotted past Tyler McGregor.
The Pirates responded six minutes later through Galliford. After some intricate play on the edge of the box, Bedford’s number 11 poked a low shot which deflected into the far corner past Jack Hopwood.
Kassim, who impressed for Aylesbury throughout the first half, put the visitors back ahead four minutes later – curling a right-footed effort into the top corner after a swift counter attack.
Evans and Callum Nicolson had chances for the hosts before the break, but Aylesbury went in with a slender one-goal advantage.
Second Half
Bedford dominated the second half, controlling possession and reducing the number of counter-attacking opportunities for the visitors.
Despite their superiority, the Pirates struggled to create meaningful chances in the first 20 minutes. Setchell and Drew Richardson had half-chances, but Aylesbury’s low block was proving tough to break down.
Setchell found a way through the visitors’ defence in the 66th minute, receiving the ball from Galliford and slotting a left-footed effort into the bottom corner.
Sinclair’s side found their rhythm after Setchell’s leveller, with Ben Stevens’ left-footed strike going narrowly over in the 68th minute.
The Pirates had the chance to put themselves ahead from the penalty spot in the 76th minute when Evans was brought down in the box by an Aylesbury defender. He stepped up to take the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and finishing into the bottom right corner.
Tom Hitchcock, who came on in the 85th minute, nearly made an instant impact two minutes after his arrival when he saw his deflected shot go narrowly over the bar.
The Pirates held on to secure an important three points after falling behind at half-time.
Next up is a trip to high-flying Hadley on 8th March.
After the match, Richardson said:
“I don’t think we played badly in the first half, it was just that the two goals we conceded were sloppy. It shocked us because I thought we started well, moved the ball well but their two goals just killed us a little bit.
“We know we’re fit enough and if we play the right way, we’re always going to have a chance of coming back.”
The Pirates are next at home on Saturday 15th March, facing Northwood in the league. Tickets for the match are available here
RBFC: McGregor, Morrell, S.Ward, Longden, Richardson, Watkins, Stevens, Nicolson (Jones 59’), Galliford (Agemoh-Davies 76’), Setchell, Evans (Hitchcock 85’).
Unused subs: T.Ward, Snelus
Real Bedford 3 - 2 Aylesbury United
25th February, 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
HIGHLIGHTS
