It was another busy weekend of non-league football across the Borough as both Real Bedford Men’s and Women’s sides were in action alongside Bedford Town and Kempston Rovers.
Bedford Town got another point on the board at Stratford Town in Southern League Central Premier Division while Real Bedford’s men progressed in the FA Trophy at Walthamstow.
The women lost their 100% record with a home draw on Sunday.
Kempston Rovers were also in action, beating league leaders Arlesey Town in Spartans South Midlands Premier.
Bedford Town have made a good start to renewed life in the seventh tier of English football, with two wins, two draws and two defeats from their opening six league games, and they picked up another point on the road at Stratford Town on Saturday.
Gucci Soulya’s effort early in the second half squeezed through Callum Smith in the Stratford goal and it looked as if Lee Bircham would be celebrating another three points on the road only for a late own goal from Joshua Mullins as the clock entered the red.
The Eagles had their chances to put the game to bed; Soulya was almost gifted a goal in the first half from Smith as the keeper’s clearance hit the Bedford attacker only to bounce wide.
Jordy Mongoy also had a guilt-edged chance courtesy of Ryan Blake’s cross late on to grab a second for Bedford, but they were left to rue those missed chances as Stratford stole a point at the death.
Despite that, Bedford Town are still sitting pretty in 13th ahead of a Tuesday night trip to familiar foes, Biggleswade Town.
Real through in FA Trophy
There was also late drama in the capital as Real Bedford were taking a break from league action at Walthamstow of the Isthmian League North in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.
Real Bedford took the lead in East London courtesy of a deflected strike from Isaac Galliford on the edge of the area but by the half hour mark, parity had been restored as Te Wihongi’s free kick snuck in at McGregor’s near post to equalise.
The two sides were neck and neck until a piece of individual brilliance from a familiar threat won the game for the Pirates.
Josh Setchell found himself in space on the right flank, but with a drop of the shoulder and a stepover, darted inside, ghosted into the area and placed a cute finish into the bottom corner to seal the tie for Real.
“At times it became scrappy, but over the ninety minutes I think the boys deserved the win, so I’m happy”, said manager, Rob Sinclair after the game.
“Its a different challenge when you play against big, strong, physical sides but it shows we’ve got that side as well as the playing style so very proud of the performance.”
Women lose 100% record
Perhaps the most impressive of our Borough’s teams so far has been Real Bedford’s Women.
They’ve faced a plethora of dangerous sides at step four in the Women’s non-league pyramid, and have already beaten the likes of QPR, London Bees and MK Dons in the League Cup.
Despite their perfect start, Charlie Bill would know that there’d be times his side didn’t have it all their own way, and they come up against another strong side in Chatham at the Ledger Stadium, drawing 1-1 in the Women’s National League Division One South East.
Abbie Bensted opened the scoring for Real but Lottie Sharp’s equaliser, shortly after Real were reduced to ten as Chiara Meola was sent off, gave the away side a point.
Real Bedford Women still sit in second in these early stages of the league season, with Norwich City the only side to continue their 100% record with a 6-0 thrashing of Ashford Town (Middlesex).
Kempston Rovers have endured mixed performances since their relegation to the ninth tier, but did pick up a 1-0 win in Spartans South Midlands Premier Division against league leaders, Arlesey Town on Saturday.
Rafal Wielblad’s second half strike was enough to gain the Walnuts all three points although Kempston Rovers still only sit in 12th in the table, with Milton Keynes Irish top with a 100% record.
