Real Bedford were put to the test against step five opposition in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Saturday (19 September) before eventually progressing after a 2-1 victory at Harleston Town in Norfolk.
A skilful strike from winger, CJ Kiala and a deflected winner from Conor Tee was enough for Real to slot into Monday lunchtime’s third qualifying round draw after Harleston had equalised from the penalty spot in the first half.
Real Bedford were heavy favourites on paper after an ideal start to their Southern League Premier Central sees them top of the table after seven wins from seven, scoring 22 goals in the process.
Four more goals against Royston Town in the first qualifying round saw them through a fortnight ago, and they were drawn against Thurlow Nunn Premier Division club, Harleston who are 15th in their division at step five of the non-league pyramid.
Read: Real Bedford coast into the next round of the FA Cup
The two step difference should have meant a simpler task for Real, but Harleston kept them honest through to the final whistle, and tested Craig King in the Bedford goal on a number of occasions.
Kiala skill puts Real in front
The first 15 minutes were predictable in that Real Bedford had multiple opportunities to take the lead.
Tom Hitchcock, in from the off in a rare start, saw a third minute chip cleared at the last by George Barber, before Harleston keeper, Alex Blowers did well to deny both Josh Allen and CJ Kiala within the first ten minutes.
Match winners, Kiala and Tee were also denied in a frantic opening 20 minutes, that also saw the Harleston manager, Adam Gusterson sent off for remonstrations on the touchline.
The inevitable opener came after 24 minutes as Kiala received the ball in the right channel, before a wonderful Cruyff turn fashioned just enough space to curl an effort into the bottom corner to give the Pirates a deserved lead.
Within ten minutes however, the home side were level after a penalty was awarded against Elliot Simmons for handball.
Craig King had punched clear a corner, and the ball was recycled by a black and white shirt before bobbling up on to the arm of Simmons, with the referee pointing to the spot.
Josh Durham was the man to send King the wrong way from 12 yards to restore parity, and the home side could have been ahead two minutes later had Macauley Holt’s dangerous ball across the face of goal found a touch.
Real Bedford also thought they’d scored again, but Hitchcock’s goal was disallowed for a foul in the build up, with both sides going into half-time level at a goal apiece.
In form Tee scores winner
Harleston’s dangerous attacking prowess continued into the second half, as they hit the post within three minutes of the restart.
Durham was the man at the centre of the action again, hitting a left footed strike off the outside of the post as the danger signs were mounting for the Pirates.
Spencer Cawcutt also found himself in on goal, but ended up poking an effort straight at King, while the number 11 also saw a header float over the bar as the hosts began the second half much the better.
The tie’s turning point came after 65 minutes, and it was Real and Conor Tee who were the beneficiaries of a slice of good fortune.
Tee’s shot took a wicked deflection over a helpless Blowers to put the Pirates a goal ahead again, and the 2-1 scoreline remained despite Harleston gaining chances to force a replay.
Substitute, Tyler Halliday fired just over and Barber stung the hands of King from distance, before Shane Cox narrowly missed out with a diving header at the back post, as Harleston more than troubled the Pirates defence.
However, Real were able to hold on, running down the clock in the final moments to secure their passage through to the third qualifying round for the first time in the ‘Bitcoin era’.
“I’m proud of the performance; to come here on a difficult pitch against a side who made it difficult and hard to play against, so we’re very happy to make it through to the next round”, said manager Rob Sinclair.
“It’s what we expect from a team a couple of levels below; they’re going to put it on you. They fought for everything and gave everything possible, but to remain calm and get the result is pleasing.”
The third qualifying round draw will be published at 1pm on Monday (21 September).
The Pirates are back in league action on Tuesday (22 September), as they travel to Stourbridge before hosting Isthmian Premier League side, Wingate and Finchley in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy next Saturday (26 September).
