REAL BEDFORD | TITLE TRIUMPH

We speak to skipper, Lee Watkins, after the Division One Central title was secured

The first of our four League titles was won at the weekend when Real Bedford confirmed the Pitching In Southern League Division One Central crown with three games still to play.

They had to work hard to get their 30th victory of the season as a first half penalty from leading scorer, Joey Evans, was enough to beat Kings Langley to put them 11 points clear of nearest challengers, Berkhamsted.

It’s been a campaign that has seen them lose on just two occasions from 37 League games, during which time they have scored an impressive 120 goals whilst conceding only 30.

Watched by a crowd of almost 1,500, including American investors, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, it was a special day for the club as they celebrated a third championship triumph in a row having lifted the Spartan South Midlands League Division One and Premier Division titles at the end of each of the previous two seasons.

“I am extremely proud to be part of this story,” skipper, Lee Watkins, told us. “I’ve led teams in the past, but to have captained a side this good and talented has been a real privilege.

“There have been plenty of key moments along the way. I think back to scrappy 1-0 away wins at the likes of Flackwell Heath and AFC Dunstable. The home game against Flackwell Heath was another one where we managed to get a massive point having found a way back from 5-3 down with ten men against strong opponents.

“From a team perspective, we have done what we set out to do at the start of the season, but not only that, we’ve done it by sticking to our principles and our style of play.

“I’ve played in this League a few times in the past, so generally I had an idea of what to expect going into the campaign. This is such a competitive League and you can see that by the number of teams who have been battling it out for a place in the play-offs.

“There are still plenty of targets for us over the final three games. We want to get to 100 points and +100 goal difference. We’re 19 games unbeaten in the League and if we can continue that to the end of the season, it would be a great achievement for everyone involved here.”

Manager, Rob Sinclair, who has guided the club to each of their title successes, added: “It’s incredible; you only have to look at the celebrations over the weekend to see how much this means to everyone.

“I’m really proud of all of them. Saturday’s game was a little bit nervy, a little bit cagey but we were positive at half-time at 1-0 up. We wanted to move the ball quicker, but a game like this is always going to be tense.

“Ultimately, we’ve won the game which was what we set out to do and I couldn’t be more proud of these players who have embraced the challenge of Step 4 and done us all proud.”

The final three games sees an away trip to Leighton Town on Saturday, followed by a home encounter with AFC Dunstable on Bank Holiday Monday. The season ends at Thame United.

The Southern League sends our congratulations to all at the club on their achievement.

IMAGE: Real Bedford FC

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