Real Bedford are still top of Spartans South Midlands Premier Division, but dropped more points after an entertaining 3-3 draw with Biggleswade United at McMullen Park on Saturday afternoon.
Despite being ahead in the game twice, United scored a late penalty to steal a point in an encounter that Real captain, Tom Wood described as, “feeling like a loss”.
With Real losing their last league game 2-1 at Leverstock Green, they’ve allowed Milton Keynes Irish another look in with the Buckinghamshire side – who beat Baldock 5-1 on Saturday – six points behind with three games in hand.
Given the exceptionally high standards at McMullen Park this season, it represents a slight blip in an otherwise fantastic campaign that is heading down to the wire.
Real lose lead twice
It looked to be back to business as usual when Joey Evans and Ben Stevens scored within minutes of each other to open up a two goal lead for the Pirates.
Drew Richardson’s magic assist set up Evans who lobbed the Biggleswade keeper before Josh Setchell’s cross found Stevens who scored his 35th goal of the campaign.
Within five minutes, Biggleswade had a goal back with the first of what would become two penalties for Coree Wilson before Milo Keane equalised just before half-time for the visitors.
Halfway through the second half, Evans got his own opportunity from the penalty spot which he duly despatched but in the 90th minute, Biggleswade were again given a golden ticket in the form of a second chance from twelve yards with Wilson making no mistake.
It made the final scoreline 3-3, and while it was a captivating affair, it does mean more dropped points for Real Bedford at a key time of the season.
“To be 2-0 up and only come away with a point is obviously disappointing”, said Rob Sinclair post match.
“There are moments in the game that we need to manage better but on the whole, the scoreline doesn’t reflect the game. It was total domination but the game should have been dead and buried.
“That is something we’ve got to be better at.”
“It’s relentless”
In an interview with the club’s media team during the week, owner and Chairman, Peter McCormack is well aware that this is not a done deal.
Despite both Men’s and Women’s side being top of their respective leagues, the men especially are in a proper title fight and will need to rebound against FC Romania next Saturday after a Challenge Trophy tie on Tuesday to navigate first.
“There’s saying you’re going to win the league, but last season I realised how tough it is”, said McCormack.
“To have a team turn up week in week out with a relentless desire to win games is hard, but they did it last season. To repeat that this season would be incredible.”
The last fortnight is not a campaign killer. Rarely do sides coast to non-league titles without losing games, (unless you’re Farnham Town of the Combined Counties League), and Real are still in the driving seat heading into what will be a busy end to the season given the postponements in recent weeks.
Real are back in action on Tuesday night in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy at Codicote before returning to McMullen Park to face a dangerous FC Romania side on Saturday.
The Women’s league cup tie against Wootton Blue Cross was postponed on Sunday with their next game coming in the league at Luton Town Ladies next Sunday.
Tickets for all of Real Bedford’s home games can be bought here.
