Two wins against a strong Cockfosters side in league and cup either side of the New Year kept Real Bedford’s winning streak up heading into 2024, with Rob Sinclair’s side staying seven points clear of Milton Keynes Irish in Spartans South Midlands Premier Division.
Cockfosters have been one of the strongest sides to visit McMullen Park this season, running Real close on consecutive occasions but a late Archie Jones winner scuppered their chances in the league encounter before a Joey Evans double downed them in the cup.
It means Real’s winning streak is up to ten with a tough looking January schedule to come.
Jones’ dramatic double down Fosters
The side from the capital made a fair fist of ending that run; a 90th minute equaliser not enough to stop Real – and matchday hero Archie Jones – from spoiling their party.
The visitors had come from behind twice in the game after Mo Ahmed had given the home side the lead with a goal from a tight angle before Cockfosters striker, George Lutaaya levelled just before the break.
Despite chances for the visitors to take the lead, it was Real who capitalised as former Bedford Town man, Drew Richardson played in Ahmed who slotted the ball through to Jones to restore Bedford’s lead.
Jay Lovell thought he had rescued a point for the Fosters late on with a header from a corner, but it was Jones who would get in on the act again, slotting the ball home at the back post to send the Real bench berserk and secure all three points.
Storm Henk gave Real a break as the first round of fixtures in 2024 were almost unilaterally postponed across the region, but Cockfosters were soon back in town in cup action on Tuesday evening.
The Gladwish Challenge Trophy encompasses the Spartans South Midlands League, with Real one of the favourites to lift the trophy but they will face tough opposition in Milton Keynes Irish and Leverstock Green in order to get to the final.
Evans continues goal scoring form
A Joey Evans double on Tuesday night helped Real into the third round, but it was once again a fierce encounter in which Cockfosters had their chances.
Evans gave Real the lead after 23 minutes; picking himself up to slot home a penalty but the visitors re-enacted the league game and equalised just before half-time.
It was Evans who would have the last laugh as he scored the winner after 75 minutes and it secured Real’s passage through to the next round where they will face the winners of Leverstock Green and Dunstable Town.
The Pirates are back in league action this Saturday as they travel to St Panteleimon, and they’ll be looking for revenge against the only side to beat Real in the league this season after a shock 4-1 win at McMullen Park in September.
Tickets for all of Real Bedford’s games can be bought here.
