Real Bedford failed to extend their winning run to eight games on Saturday (21 February) after losing 2-1 at relegation threatened, Stourbridge.
Stourbridge, who had won just four of their 29 league games before Saturday’s encounter, led as early as the very first minute and never relinquished the lead in what could be a vital win in their efforts to stay at step three.
Real Bedford remain solidly in the Southern League Premier Central play-off spots, sitting in third place on 57 points, but will see this as a massive opportunity lost to close the gap on the leading two clubs, Spalding and Harborough.
The Pirates’ form heading to the War Memorial Ground in the West Midlands could not have been better, having won their last seven league games including a 5-0 walloping of Bishop’s Stortford in midweek.
Read: Real Bedford hit five against ten-man Bishop’s Stortford
What transpired was a calamitous occasion in which an expected three points were lost.
Downhill from the first minute
Real’s bad day began after a mere 40 seconds; a cross from the right wing wasn’t cleared properly and a scramble ensued, with the ball ending at the feet of Jack Newall who placed past a stricken King to give the home side an early advantage.
Both sides continued to trade chances throughout the first half, but perhaps the best of them fell for Stourbridge, as Tom Solanke was denied in excellent fashion by King, before teenager, Will Etheridge headed the rebound over.
The Glassboys went into the half-time break a goal to the good, and came out for the second half on the front foot, with King forced to tip a cross-cum-shot over the bar, while Liam Brazier’s acrobatic effort from the resulting corner was blocked.
Real’s efforts were consigned to snap shots, with Ben Stevens and Archie Jones both denied, before the winner came on 71 minutes in sensational style from Etheridge.
The Walsall loanee, who now has two goals in two games since joining Stourbridge just over a week ago, collected the ball on the edge of the area, stepped inside and curled a delicious effort into the bottom corner.
“No complaints”
It left Rob Sinclair’s side with a mountain to climb, and a little over 15 minutes to find two goals, but they rarely troubled the Stourbridge defence in the closing stages.
Charlie Price did well to keep out a Stevens effort with the clock in the red, but he was denied a clean sheet when substitute, Tom Hitchcock slotted home when Stevens turned provider in the fourth minute of added time.
There were not enough minutes for Real to mount another attack however, as Stourbridge held on for a precious three points towards the bottom of Southern League Premier Central.
“It’s one of those results really”, said manager Rob Sinclair.
“The players work rate was brilliant, but we just couldn’t create enough and they obviously took their moments, so no complaints.
“No complaints about the pitch. We’re playing in non-league and that’s a part of football, but I thought the group handled it well, and we dominated for large parts but we couldn’t get those openings.
“In terms of the run we’ve been on, we can be proud of that and we’ll look to bounce back on Tuesday.”
Real Bedford are back on the road to visit Alvechurch in three days’ time, who have also been dragged into a relegation battle.
