Ben Stevens | Real Bedford

Real Bedford are one game away from a fourth promotion in a row, as they set up a play-off final against Spalding United, after a 3-1 win against Kettering Town on Wednesday in the semi-final. The Pirates could now be set to go from step 6 to step 2 in just four years.

📸 Real Bedford FC

The Bedfordshire side have had a stunning first season at step 3, despite having a rocky start with just the one win in their first six league games. Pirates boss Rob Sinclair's side stormed to 3rd in the league, and at one point embarked on a remarkable 11 game unbeaten run.

A man who has been key to the sides success this season has been attacking midfielder Ben Stevens, who joined the club from Kempston Rovers in 2023, having also had a spell in the Luton Town academy. Steven has scored 15 goals this season, and is one of just three players alongside Shaheim Ward & Drew Richardson to have featured in all 42 league games.

Ben Stevens was the 8th highest scorer in this season's Southern Premier Central

Ben Stevens was the joint 5th highest scorer in the second half of games in this season's Southern Premier Central

The forward didnt score in their play-off semi-final at The Ledger Stadium, but did manage three goals in their final four regular league games, and will no doubt have huge say on the final. I spoke with the Pirates second highest scorer to get his thoughts on his first season at step 3, the reason behind his stellar season, and his overall thoughts on the team as they close in on success.

"It's been a brilliant first season at step 3. It took a few games for us to get used to the league and the difference in quality from last season, but since then we have florished. We managed to find our feet, and have shown with where we have finished in the league to make a game of it with anyone.

"The secret to my success this season is that I always try to make sure that I am in the right areas to score goals. This is also helped by the fact that as a team we create a lot of chances. This year, i think I’ve took those chances well and scored some good & important goals, with my favourite coming in the 3-3 draw with Spalding in December.

"As a team I think it’s been brilliant to continue to play the way we do for every game this season even when it’s got tough. Personally, It’s been a good season for me, and I’ve been happy with the performances anf the good numbers of goals & assists to add to it is always nice. I had a good run of goals before the play-offs and would be delighted to grab another one on Monday.

"To the fans, let’s just make sure that we enjoy the play-offs. Confidence, and the goalscoring form is high at the moment, so we could not really ask for better form to enter into this game. There is definitely the confidence in the changing room, with all the boys looking forward to it. It will be tough, but let’s see what we can do."

Let's dig deeper into Real Bedford's step 3 success, potentially at the first attempt on the pitch this season. The side have scored first in 61% (25) of their 42 league games this season more than anyone else.

It's not just the goalscoring where the Pirates have excelled this campaign, as defensivley they have also certainly played their part. Only Alvechurch have started games better than Real Bedford, with the Church (1), the only side to have conceded fewer goals in the opening 15 of games this season than the Pirates (4)

In the bigger picture, Sinclair's side conceded the fourth fewest first half goals this season in the league. Only Harborough Town (14), Alvechurch (18) & St Ives Town (19) conceded fewer than Real Bedford's 21.

Against the juggernaut of Spalding, the Pirates will no doubt need to follow these stats which have stood them in such good stead for the majority of the season already.