A 90th minute strike from substitute, Josh Allen rescued a point for Real Bedford at home to Southern League Premier Central leaders, Harborough Town on Tuesday night (24 March), as the Pirates continue their march towards the play-offs.
Archie Jones had given Real a valuable lead after 18 minutes, but the Bees hit back with two of their own, before Allen’s late intervention once again levelled to earn a second draw inside ten days against the same opposition.
Harborough Town are six points clear at the top of the division, recently taking control of their title race against Spalding who have slipped up throughout March, but Real’s focus is on the teams in behind them as they look to hold on to third, and a May Bank Holiday play-off spot.
These two clubs played the reverse fixture on 14 March, when Ben Stevens’ strike was cancelled out by Harborough’s Riley O’Sullivan, and nothing could split the sides again, as Allen’s late goal secured a dramatic point on home turf.
Read: Real Bedford battle to decent draw at title chasing Harborough
Rob Sinclair’s side were boosted by the announcement that both Ben Stevens and Archie Jones – both key men in attacking areas – had signed a two-year contract extension pre-match, and it was one of them who got on the scoresheet early.
Josh Setchell marauded down the right wing with his customary pace, and fed Jones who slid to get to the ball before goalkeeper, Elliott Taylor to poke home the opener.
Craig King in the home goal was on hand to keep Harborough at bay for the rest of the half; first denying Riley O’Sullivan a second goal against Real inside ten days, before keeping out a weaker Terell Pennant effort after a mix up in the home midfield.
An excellent double save was also notable, as Real went into the break a goal to the good.
Harborough fight back
It took just 90 seconds of the second half for Harborough to demonstrate their credentials as title favourites.
The ball was headed back into the danger zone following a corner, and it found former Bedford Town centre back, Rory McAuley whose excellent improvised volley from 12 yards was enough to finally beat King.
The visitors came close to completing an immediate turnaround but fired just wide, before King was again called upon to keep a rasping Hickey effort out, while Lewis Hilliard cleared another effort off the line as Harborough turned the screw.
The Harborough pressure paid off after 72 minutes.
A deep cross from the right wing by Pennant found Brady Hickey whose powerful header found a way past King again.
It looked to be the final act of a compelling game of non-league football, but Real manager, Sinclair brought on attacking reinforcements, including usual line leader, Allen for left back, Jack Morrell and it would be the Pirates’ leading goalscorer who would pounce late.
It was an excellent strike from the substitute, and unstoppable for Taylor in the visiting goal, as Real Bedford celebrated a hard fought point that sets them up for their final six league games.
Their run in begins with another tricky tie against fourth-placed Halesowen at the Ledger Stadium on Saturday (28 March), while play-off chasing Redditch and a trip to a resurgent Kettering Town on Good Friday are also on the menu.
Other games are against Bishop’s Stortford, Alvechurch and a final day trip to Bromsgrove Sporting – all teams in the bottom half – ahead of a potential play-off campaign that could see a fourth consecutive promotion for Real Bedford.
