Josh Allen’s excellent form in front of goal continued, as his brace helped Real Bedford battle to a 2-0 victory against Royston Town at the Ledger Stadium on Saturday, with their charge up the Southern League Premier Central table continuing.
Allen’s exceptional form has been paramount to Rob Sinclair’s side recovering from a stuttering start at step three, as they are now in eighth, just two points off the play-off places.
Sinclair would have demanded a response from his side, who blew two points last Saturday as they let slip a two goal lead to draw 2-2 against Barwell at the same ground.
Read: Real Bedford blow two goal lead to draw against Barwell
They did not repeat the trick, as Allen’s second half double secured all three points in front of a home crowd.
In what turned into a physical affair at the Ledger Stadium, it was the visitors who started the best as Archie Locke and Josh Boorn denied in the early moments, while Archie Jones shot just wide for the hosts.
Jones thought he had won a penalty for Real after 20 minutes, but his penalty shouts were controversially waved away, before Boorn was again thwarted by a resolute Pirates defence.
Lee Watkins was also denied at close range as both sides went into the break at 0-0.
Allen the difference
Royston were not without their chances, even as the second half kicked off, with an Adam Murray palmed clear by Tyler McGregor, but it would not be long before the deadlock was broken.
Shaheim Ward, who had born the brunt of a lot of the heavy challenges going in, became the provider as his inch perfect through ball found Allen who calmly slotted past the onrushing goalkeeper to put the Pirates in front.
Royston continued to press forward, perhaps with more vigour as they were chasing the game, Sisanda Maguranyanga the latest to spurn a good opportunity, but the game was put to bed on 85 minutes.
Ben Stevens was the architect this time, as the talismanic ten dribbled into the box and laid it on a plate for Allen to find the opposite bottom corner to put the tie to bed.
It knocked the last of the fight out of Royston, who remain in the relegation places, but for Real, their fifth win in six league games leave them in a good position heading into a busy period for the Pirates.
They are back in action on Tuesday night (21 October) as they host Stourbridge, who are also in the relegation places, before returning to FA Trophy action the following Saturday (25 October), welcoming Ashford United to the Ledger Stadium.
