Joey Evans’ 53rd-minute strike helped Real Bedford to a tight 1-0 win at AFC Dunstable on Boxing Day to keep them within touching distance of Southern League Central Division One leaders, Berkhamsted.
In a tight and cagey affair, Rob Sinclair’s side were able to fashion a victory that keeps them within four points of Berkhamsted, although Real do have a game in hand over their Hertfordshire rivals.
It had been a frustrating festive period for Real Bedford with their second league loss at Kings Langley followed by a 66th-minute abandonment against Aylesbury United due to a floodlight failure when 2-0 up on Saturday (21 December).
Read: Downpours and a floodlight failure scupper Bedford’s Southern League games
For much of this game, it looked like that frustration was to continue before the Real number nine struck.
AFC Dunstable had the better of the first half, with McGregor called into action as early as the fourth minute as he saved a direct free kick before his fingertip after half an hour helped keep the game goalless heading into the break.
The winning moment came shortly into the second half; Stevens once again fashioning the opening in finding Joey Evans and despite his first two efforts getting blocked, his third found the back of the net.
After an injury lay off that has kept the star striker out for a number of weeks, Evans has scored twice in two games since his return and proved how much he had been missed in scoring the winner.
Berkhamsted still the team to chase
Berkhamsted were once again 4-1 winners away from home – this time at Aylesbury United – and they look to be Real Bedford’s main threat in becoming just the third side ever to achieve three back-to-back league titles at non-league.
The two sides face each other for the first time in a rearranged fixture at the Ledger Stadium on Tuesday 14 January before what could be a key six-pointer at Broadwater on 22 March.
Like the rest of the Southern League however, Real Bedford face a quick turnaround as they’re back at home to host fourth-placed, Barton Rovers who were comfortable 3-0 victors against Biggleswade FC on Boxing Day.
You can purchase tickets for that encounter here.
