REPORT: Quorn 1-0 Real Bedford
By Dan Sheward
Sam Warburton’s first goal for Quorn secured three points in a massive clash at the top of the table as the Reds survived an hour with 10 men, before Real Bedford also had a man sent off with 12 minutes to play. The Reds, who started the day in 4th, were back at the Stotto Stadium after three tough away games, as they’d faced off against 3rd place Real Bedford, with both teams hoping to strengthen their play-off position.
It was a bright start for Quorn as Simeon Coborune almost put his team ahead in the opening minutes. Finding himself on the end of an inviting cross, unmarked, it wasn’t the touch he would have hoped for as Real Bedford’s keeper Craig King was quick off his line to prevent any danger. Moments later, Zak Goodson had two golden opportunities just minutes apart. With the heavy chance creation and control Quorn were just waiting for what felt like the inevitable moment to take the lead.
It was agonising for Ryan Beswick’s team as the ball refused to hit the back of the net. Rhys Kelly’s flicked header from a whipped corner, couldn’t have been much closer. After such a positive start, a Goodson’s red card put a halt to the growing momentum. A man up, Real looked like a different team as their first chance of the game almost resulted in a goal.
Quorn did well to soak up the pressure and were rewarded by a splendid header from Warburton, finally, finding the back of the net. It was an excellent delivery from Beswick that was matched by an outstanding leap by Warburton that earned him his first goal for the club on his home debut. Quorn went in at half time with a well fought lead. Despite the red card it was actually a very disciplined display from the Reds, maintaining strong control of the fixture.
The visitors made two changes during the break, introducing Tom Hitchcock and Josh Setchell in place of Lee Watkins and Lewis Hillard. There was a clear intent from Real Bedford as they worked some half chances early on in the second half. Quorn stuck to their task well and were showing no signs of losing their lead.
The Methodists had a chance to double their lead through Cobourne after he chased down a slick pass from Duffy. Once again King was the first to the ball off his line to nullify the chance. Looking to the bench to see the game out, Dennis Digie replaced Duffy as the game approached its conclusion. Adam Harrison had rarely been called in to action but did a splendid job to deny a goal bound effort down to his right as Bedford continued to push for an equaliser.
In the 76th minute the numbers drew all square as the referee showed red for the second time as Connor Tee was dismissed with a second yellow for a late tackle on Deen Master. The industrious Cain Noble made way for Drew Lowe as Quorn saw the game out.
Despite late attacking pressure, it was a well-deserved win for Quorn as the clash concluded at 1-0. The Reds dug deep and saw out the oncoming waves of attack from the visitors while they were a man down, seeing the game out professionally when the numbers drew level. It’s another stiff test for the Methodists next Saturday as Banbury United travel to Farley Way.