Real Bedford 3 AFC Dunstable 1 (0-0 Half time)

Southern League Central Division 1

McMullen Park / The Ledger Stadium, Monday 21st April 2025.

Attendance – not reported

Match report by Richard Church

Our final away game of the season saw us visit the home of this seasons champions – AFC giving Real

Bedford a guard of honour on to the pitch. The ODs put up a good performance against a team that

have only lost 2 league games all season.

The match started in a downpour which probably suited us as it made the nice grassy surface slick

and aided us in our passing game – so much better than some of the bobbly dry pitches that we have

had to endure lately. The first 15 minutes or so was very end to end and there was some decent play

from both teams but neither side had any opportunities to note.

The home side had the first good chance in the 16 th minute following an excellent through ball but

their striker shot just wide. AFCs turn next – Bruce had an effort that he shot across the face of the

goal a minute later. Playing out from the back nearly cost us when the ball was played straight to a

Real player but his shot was thankfully deflected wide for a corner – a lucky escape. Real were

definitely on top at this stage of the game and were putting the pressure on AFC, but we continued

to create chances – Sean ran through with 26 on the clock but his shot was blocked by the home

defence. Two minutes later a nicely struck free kick from George was unfortunately hit straight at

the keeper for a comfortable save. Bruce then had a rather tame shot following some good work by

Sean. The half ended 0-0 but not before another couple of decent efforts by the home side – one of

which saw a ball played in to the box – Sam made a brave save but he collided with a Real player and

although he finished the half it was clear that he was in some discomfort.

No surprise to see Matt replace Sam during the half time break and the half started very busily for

him. With 4 minutes gone, Matt pulled off a lovely save following some very decent build up play by

Real which ended with a good shot. Three minutes later, the home side took the lead – a very well

struck shot by Ben Stevens flew in to the net giving Matt no chance. Real continued to drive forward

but Matt kept them at bay with two decent saves.

It wasn’t all Real Bedford – AFC were more than in the game and had chances of their own – Stan

had a decent chance with a long shot on 63 but the ball went high and wide. Two minutes later, Sean

got us back in to the game with a very decent strike - 1-1 and game on. 79 gone and Abel charged

through towards the box and played the ball to Levi but he couldn’t get the ball under control to get

his shot off. Chances continued to come for AFC – a well struck corner saw Russell control the ball

well but his shot went over the bar. George had another free kick opportunity with 5 minutes left –

he hit it superbly but a full length diving save from the keeper just got to the ball to push it wide.

We then got hit with a couple of undeserved sucker punches as Real Bedford scored two decent

goals on 86 and 88 minutes to give them the points. They probably deserved the win on balance but

the scoreline definitely flattered them. A great all round performance from the lads again.

Man of the match (as decided by the AFC committee) was Shawn Joseph.

Team line up (subs in brackets) ; Sam Carman (Matt Bonsu HT), George Joyce, Archie Long-Nicholls

(Charlie Davis 60), Simone Troso, Stan Georgiou, Shawn Joseph, Russell Berko, Bruce Ovbiye-Nsang

(Levi Nicholson 75), Sean Duodu, Abel Damoah-Kyeremeh (Ethan Holt 83), Kyle Brooks.