A special strike from Ben Stevens was not enough for Real Bedford to defeat promotion rivals, AFC Quorn after both sides battled out a 1-1 draw in Southern League Premier Central at the Ledger Stadium on Saturday (22 November).
Both goals came inside the first twenty minutes in an entertaining encounter, and while both sides had chances to win it, they will both have to settle for a point as the Pirates and the Methodists maintain their respective promotion challenges.
Both of these sides were promoted from step four last season; Real Bedford won Southern League Division One Central, while AFC Quorn scored over a century of points in waltzing to the Northern Premier League Midlands title.
However they could not be separated on a wet day at the Ledger Stadium.
Both sides began at great speed as Stevens forced former Bedford Town goalkeeper, Adam Harrison into an early save before Drew Richardson prevented Billy Kee from getting a shot off down the other end.
By the 11-minute mark, the deadlock was predictably broken thanks to an excellent strike from Stevens.
Conor Tee, who has been in good goalscoring form himself in recent times, became provider as he laid off the perfect pass to Stevens who curled a trademark effort into the opposite bottom corner.
Quorn hit back
Josh Allen almost doubled the lead inside sixty seconds, but fired over the bar and it wasn’t long before Quorn were up the other end and equalising.
An incisive counter attack paid dividends, and it was a swift move that was finished off by Zak Goodson to equalise but the visitors had Harrison to thank for not falling behind again.
Again, it was Allen who was stopped in his tracks, as Harrison pulled off a fantastic low stop to deny the number nine, before denying Stevens a brace with an equally excellent save from a direct free kick as both sides went into the break at one goal apiece.
The second half began in turgid fashion, befitting of the damp conditions surrounding the Ledger Stadium, but Quorn had the best of the chances late on.
Lee Watkins and Allen both had efforts blocked by a resolute blue-shirted defence, before Goodson’s cross found Simeon Cobourne who proceeded to strike against Craig King’s post in a warning shot to Rob Sinclair’s men.
Allen was again denied by the impenetrable Harrison, before King was called into action at the other end, as Goodson’s net-bound effort was palmed clear with both sides hunting for a winner.
They both had chances to win it with the clock in the red; Ben Weyman’s late cross evaded every amber shirt, while late substitute Dennis Digie arrowed a shot just wide of King’s post as both sides leave with a single point.
Both Harborough Town and Spalding increased their lead at the top of Southern League Premier Central with victories against Worcester City and Needham Market respectively, while Real Bedford remain fourth, seven points off the top.
Quorn are now in seventh.
“It was frustrating”, said manager Rob Sinclair after the game.
“I thought Stevo [Ben Stevens] was sensational all game. He got the ball in dangerous areas, and the courage he shows getting the ball anywhere on the pitch was a joy to watch and I thought he was brilliant today.
“I thought we were the better side in terms of our chances created, and they’re a good side but you take the point and move on to Tuesday”, he added.
Real Bedford are back at the Ledger Stadium in three days time on 25 November as they welcome Banbury United, before making the trip to Leiston on Saturday 29 November.
