Real Bedford once again went a goal down early on, but bounced back to register a much-needed 2-1 win at Anstey Nomads on Tuesday night (3 November).

Jordan Ponticelli scored the second half winner as the Pirates return to the winning trail following a tricky October in which they lost three games on the bounce.

As such, the top of Southern League Premier Central was tight before kick off, with just goal difference separating Real and fellow early pace setters, Bury Town while the likes of Bromsgrove and Rushall had began to close a considerable gap.

Nine wins from their first nine had careered Real to the top by a distance, but consecutive defeats against Bishop’s Stortford, Stourbridge and Worcester – the latter a crushing 4-1 loss – had led to some questions being asked.

But those questions were answered with a gritty performance on Tuesday night, as Rob Sinclair’s men returned to winning ways against newly-promoted, Anstey.

Another early concession

Not for the first time this season, Real Bedford conceded in the early moments.

Oscar Tonge, who scored the only goal in Anstey’s shock FA Trophy win against neighbours Bedford Town last November, opened the scoring for the Nomads after just three minutes, and it took almost 70 minutes for Real to overturn it.

The hosts were not aided by having to make a pair of forced substitutions; Kevin Bastos the first to be forced off injured, replaced by Darien Wauchope midway through the first period.

And by the half hour mark, Real were level as new loan signing, Kyran Wiltshire equalised on his full debut, poking home after an almighty scramble in the box to make it 1-1.

And that is how the scoreline remained at the break, despite Ben Stevens being denied by Nomads’ goalkeeper, Harley Price. 

Excellent defending from Drew Richardson kept the scores level in the early stages of the second half, before Anstey’s second forced change, as centre back Lewis Gibbens was replaced after a long injury stoppage.

Archie Jones’ effort was brilliantly tipped over by Price soon after, but come the 70-minute mark, Real Bedford were ahead thanks to the returning Jordan Ponticelli.

The winner was set in motion thanks to an excellent assist from Stevens, finding Ponticelli who controlled with ease before placing home to take the Pirates into a lead they have not tasted in recent weeks.

And despite a heart in mouth moment for Real keeper Craig King, who saw a clearance hit an Anstey attacker in the first minute of injury time before bouncing harmlessly wide, Bedford held on for a vital three points that they hope will restart a new winning run.

Bury Town’s late 3-2 defeat against Kettering Town has re-established a three point lead at the top for Real Bedford ahead of Saturday’s home clash against fifth-placed, Rushall Olympic who have lost their last two games.