Scoring on a Saturday afternoon has become second nature to Ben Stevens in recent weeks, and Real’s star striker took his form to the floodlit ground of Potton United on Tuesday night with another brace to help Real to a 12th victory in 14 league games.
The 3-0 away win takes Real Bedford three points clear of Milton Keynes Irish at the top of Spartans South Midlands Premier Division having played a game more than their Buckinghamshire rivals.
Stevens opened the scoring after 11 minutes after a shot from the unlucky Joey Evans was saved by the home goalkeeper, but his prolific strike partner was on hand with some nifty footwork to find the back of the net.
Evans was on hand ten minutes later to provide another assist, chasing on to a long ball and managing to drag it back for the waiting Stevens who swept home to make it 2-0.
The home side had the occasional half chance but there was very little opportunity to beat Tyler McGregor, who was making his 50th appearance for Real Bedford, in the Pirates goal.
Midway through the second half, Stevens went from goal scorer to provider as he set up the impressive Josh Setchell for Real’s third and with it, another comprehensive night’s work for Rob Sinclair and his team.
With no other league side in action on Tuesday night, it meant Real Bedford took their lead to three points at the top of the table.
Cup weekend
Both the Men and the Women are in cup action this weekend, with Real Bedford Ladies playing in an historic FA Cup first round tie against Billericay of the FA Women’s National League.
The Essex based beat Southampton Women 9-0 last Saturday, giving some idea of the strength of the side, but in the magic of the cup, anything can happen and the Pirates will be hoping to cause an upset at McMullen Park on Sunday at 1pm.
Before that, the men host Biggleswade United in the second round of the FA Vase on Saturday with a kick off time of 3pm.
Tickets for both games can be bought here.
