Both Bedford Town and Real Bedford were back in action on Tuesday night (4 February) in league and cup action respectively, but both came out on the losing side in the Southern League and the Bedfordshire FA Senior Cup semi-final.
Bedford Town lost 1-0 at Royston, but remain second in Southern League Premier Central while Rob Sinclair’s much-changed Real Bedford fell 2-0 at Creasey Park against AFC Dunstable to fall at the semi-final stage of the county’s premier cup competition.
Bedford Town have reached the 50-point target that manager Lee Bircham has cited as “enough for survival” but remain second in a highly congested Southern League Premier Central division despite a 1-0 loss at Royston.
This game had been rearranged from the Saturday before Christmas after torrential rain on the stroke of kick-off forced a postponement at Garden Walk, but the Eagles were unable to register their first win against the Hertfordshire side despite facing them four times this campaign.
Bedford’s best opportunity came in the 4th minute as Lewis Hilliard latched on to Ryan Blake’s clever dummy but couldn’t find the back of the net before a Lewis Green header was scuppered by Jamie Head in the Royston goal.
Up the other end Royston went, and the home side scored what would ultimately be the winner.
Jesse Akubuine’s snap shot found the roof of Jameson Horlick’s net after 17 minutes and it would prove to be enough as Chris Watter’s men continue their assault at a play off spot in the seventh tier.
Saturday’s match winner, Bruno Andrade was introduced off the bench to try and salvage a point in the second half and within minutes, he had curled an effort off the post but it would be the closest the Eagles would get in a second half of few chances.
To rub salt in Bedford Town wounds, star striker Leon Lobjoit was shown a red card in the closing stages for two bookable offences and will face a ban for the Eagles’ next fixture against Bromsgrove Sporting at The Eyrie on Saturday (8 February).
Dunstable make back-to-back finals
At Creasey Park, Real Bedford manager made six changes to the starting line-up that secured a dramatic 5-5 draw against Flackwell Heath in the league on Saturday in pursuit of a first ever Bedfordshire Senior Cup final for the Pirates.
Read: Real Bedford fight back to extraordinary 5-5 draw against Flackwell Heath
Standing in their way were last year’s runners-up, fellow Southern League Central Division One side, AFC Dunstable and two second half goals for the home side secured another final this year.
Kyle Brooks gave Dunstable the lead after 56 minutes before Sean Doudu scored from the spot to seal the win and set up a Senior Cup final against Barton Rovers who thrashed Crawley Green 8-0 away from home in the second semi-final.
The showpiece event is being played at the home of Luton Town, Kenilworth Road.
“For the first 25 mins we were on top and from there, we weren’t at our best so AFC Dunstable deserved the win and credit to them”, said manager, Rob Sinclair after the game.
“Our energy levels dipped after 25 minutes, with the heavy pitch and playing with ten men on Saturday, it happens sometimes.
“It’s going to be tough on Saturday [against Kidlington]. I don’t think their league position is what they’re about. When we beat them 5-1, they were all set pieces so their all round game makes them tough opposition.”
AFC Dunstable could do Real Bedford a favour on Saturday as they host Real’s main title rivals, Berkhamsted when the Southern League returns while the Pirates will expect to return to winning ways at Kidlington.
Berkhamsted are now just a point behind Real Bedford after scoring a 95th minute winner at Welwyn Garden City, although Real now have a game in hand.
In addition, the two clubs are hosting their Fans Forum this evening (Wednesday 5 February), allowing local football fans to pose questions ahead of the proposed merger between Bedford Town and Real Bedford.
Read: Bedford Town and Real Bedford in merger talks to “transform football in Bedford”
The event is free, but fans will need a ticket to attend. These can be purchased here.
