Real Bedford maintained their lead at the top of Southern League Central Division One with a comfortable 4-0 win at Biggleswade FC on Saturday (21 February).
The game was played at Real’s next door neighbours, Bedford Town owing to Biggleswade’s ground share agreement and Rob Sinclair’s side used the immaculate surface to their advantage in fashioning an easy win against a side who still have a chance of reaching the play-offs.
Joey Evans, who has been in immense form in recent weeks, set the tone in sending an effort just wide in the opening moments as Real Bedford set their sights on breaking the deadlock against a good Biggleswade FC side.
It wasn’t long however before Evans opened the scoring after nine minutes as he was quickest to react from a good save by Biggleswade keeper, Jasper Briggs.
That is how the score remained at the interval, despite some Real chances although Biggleswade did fashion some openings thanks to former Kempston Rovers striker, Rafal Wielblad.
It was the second half when Real truly asserted themselves.
Special Stevens strike secures three points
Just moments into the second half, a special moment from Real number ten, Ben Stevens put the game out of sight for Biggleswade.
Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, Stevens lifted a sublime effort from the edge of the centre circle, over Briggs’ head and into the back of the net – and not for the first time this season – to establish a two goal lead for the fixture’s away team.
There was also a positive moment for Real Bedford as Jack Snelus; a new signing for Real Bedford at the start of the season, made a long awaited return after a serious knee injury sustained in August’s FA Cup tie against St Neots.
Josh Setchell continued his good form in scoring a third for Real; latching on to an excellent pass from Shaheim Ward before substitute, Tom Hitchcock scored a fourth to secure a 4-0 win and another three points for Rob Sinclair’s men.
“We didn’t move the ball well enough”
Real Bedford manager, Rob Sinclair was critical of his side’s first half performance, although he was quick to praise his players on the second half performance that allowed Real Bedford to soar clear.
“It was an important three points, but in the first half, we didn’t move the ball well enough but the football in the second half was sensational and the goals were well deserved, so we’re really happy.
“We were a little bit lethargic in our ball speed [in the first half] which allowed them to press and nick balls in dangerous areas, but the second half was domination and I’m really happy with the performance.
“We know Stevo [Ben Stevens] has that technical ability and the vision to be able to spot that goal and a sensational performance from Stevo today.”
Real Bedford maintain a three point advantage over Berkhamsted, but they are back in action on Tuesday night against Aylesbury in their game in hand; a game that was abandoned in December due to a floodlight failure with Real 2-0 up.
Read: Downpours and a floodlight failure scupper Bedford’s Southern League games
Tickets for Real Bedford’s game against Aylesbury can be bought here or on the gate at the Ledger Stadium.
