2 Late goals secure vital three points on the road
By Will Murray
Real Bedford moved four points clear at the top of the FAWNL Division One South East table, beating Ashford Town 2-0 at Hanworth Villa. Late strikes from Amber Gaylor and Abbie Bensted secured the victory.
The Pirates dominated the first half, coming close to opening the scoring in the first 15 minutes through Gemma Biggadike, whose cross narrowly missed the top corner. Nicola Puddick’s low cross from the right also evaded Amy McLean in the box after some sharp, attacking play.
Puddick, who was a constant threat on the left-hand side, saw her shot well saved by Lucy Large in the 30th minute as the visitors continued to knock on the door. On a tight pitch, with Ashford defending well in a compact, low block – Charlie Bill’s side were unable to find the opener in the first half.
Second Half
The Pirates had a flurry of half chances in the early part of the second half, but they were still unable to find the much-needed breakthrough. Two minutes after the hour mark, Bill made three changes, with Gaylor, Milly Hayes and Breon Grant coming on.
Gaylor, who had scored in her last two league matches, looked to make the difference and saw her long-range effort go just wide with seven minutes to play.
Leyla O’Brien also came close a minute later, striking an effort into the side netting after receiving a cross from Bensted.
The visitors finally broke Ashford’s resistance in the 87th minute through Gaylor. Freya Meadows-Tuson’s through ball was not cleared by the hosts defence and Gaylor was on hand to smash it home.
One quickly became two in the 89th minute. Grant dribbled into the box and poked the ball through the legs of Large, to Bensted who tapped home to secure the victory.
With only four league games to play, Bill’s side know that two victories will mathematically secure the title.
Next up for the Pirates is the Bedfordshire Senior Cup final at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town on Thursday 20th March.
After the win against Ashford, Bill said:
“We spoke about going a bit more direct from deeper areas, getting bodies around it because sometimes you have to play the percentage football. We did that in the end, and we’ve got big characters on the bench – Amber scoring and Breon assisting.
“We go away happy with the clean sheet, three points, and the late goal to keep the momentum and the buzz going into Thursday.”
The Pirates are next at home on Sunday 13th April, facing London Seaward in the league. Tickets for the match are available here
RBFC Women: Sansom, Warren, Puddick, Meadows-Tuson, Stovold, Biggadike, O’Brien, Wilson (Gaylor 62’), Meola (Hayes 62’), Bensted, McLean (Grant 62’).
Unused subs: Evans.
Ashford Town 0 - 2 Real Bedford
16th March, 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Hanworth Villa
