Real Bedford are out of the FA Trophy in the third qualifying round after losing 3-0 at home to Isthmian League Premier side, Wingate and Finchley on Saturday (26 September).
A brace from Jack Thomas, including a goal inside 90 seconds, plus an own goal from Drew Richardson was more than enough for the step four side who continue their own good cup form this season.
Wingate and Finchley are currently 12th in their division, but have been bouyed by a pair of good cup runs that has seen them to the third qualifying round of both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.
Saturday’s tie was the first of back-to-back trips to Bedford, as they face Real’s next door neighbours, Bedford Town in the FA Cup next weekend, and they made sure they can bring some good memories with them as they comprehensively beat their step three opponents.
For Rob Sinclair’s men, their cup exploits now lie solely in the FA Cup as they travel to National League South side, Chesham United next weekend.
Down in 90 seconds
Wingate and Finchley’s perfect afternoon began as early as the second minute.
Caoilan McGettigan was the man to inject some early vigour into the visitors’ attacking play, as the attacking midfielder cut inside before laying off to Jack Thomas who slotted home the first of his two goals.
McGettigan’s afternoon was cut short through injury, replaced after 20 minutes by Kwadwo Bugyei-Kyei but not before setting up Jake Watkiss who fired over Craig King’s crossbar.
Real’s chances fell to Ben Stevens, who hit the post in the latter stages of the first half, while Mo Ahmed also fired over, but the Pirates went into the break a goal behind, and seemingly lacking ideas.
Their afternoon didn’t get better as the second half began in the same vein as the first, as Jack Thomas repeated his trick to score in the early moments, putting the step four side two goals to the good.
Bedford’s second half chances fell to Conor Tee, who also hit the woodwork with a free kick while a late volley was saved by visiting keeper, Charlie Grainger.
But by that point, the tie was effectively over as Anointed Chukwu’s cross was turned into his own net by Drew Richardson after 67 minutes, leaving Real in the rare position of being 3-0 down.
The visitors almost added a fourth late on, but it was immaterial as they coasted home to an impressive victory, which they will look to build on as they return to the town next Saturday, taking on Bedford Town in the FA Cup.
The North Londoners will now look forward to Monday’s first round draw.
For Real Bedford, an FA Trophy loss isn’t the end of the world for a club who essentially has its sights set exclusively on Southern League promotion.
They will hope to continue their 100% record in Southern League Premier Central when they welcome Leiston to the Ledger Stadium on Tuesday (29 September).
