O’Brien brace clinches hard-fought away victory over cambridge united
By Will Murray
Real Bedford moved to the top of the FAWNL Division One South East table, beating Cambridge United 2-1 at The Premier Plus Stadium. Leyla O’Brien scored both goals for the Pirates, earning her first Player of the Match award since joining the club.
Charlie Bill’s side started quickly, pressing high and forcing the Cambridge backline into mistakes. After eight minutes, the deadlock was broken after Nicola Puddick released O’Brien on the left wing, who took it past the defender and smashed the ball into the roof of the net from the byline.
The Pirates continued to dominate after opening the scoring, coming close to extending their advantage in the 28th minute when O’Brien’s cross on the right wing was headed narrowly over the bar by Emily Wilson in the box.
Three minutes later, O’Brien doubled her tally for the night, dispossessing a Cambridge defender before taking the ball around the goalkeeper and tucking it home.
Just before the break, Cambridge’s Alysha Stojko-Down was sent to the sin bin for dissent, but Bedford failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage, maintaining their two goal lead the lead at half-time.
Second Half
Cambridge were much improved after the interval, with Sarah Wiltshire and Stojko-Down missing half-chances. With Bedford dropping deeper, Cambridge halved the deficit in the 72nd minute when a corner was partially cleared to Wiltshire, who fired a low shot into the bottom corner past Chloe Sansom.
Two minutes after Cambridge’s goal, Chiara Meola was sent to the sin bin, leaving the Pirates with an uphill battle to secure an invaluable three points.
Bill’s side defended resolutely, and snuffed out chances from Wiltshire, who was lively for the hosts throughout the evening.
Amy McLean replaced O’Brien in the 85th minute and nearly made an instant impact when she received a through ball from Abbie Bensted, but she dragged her shot wide of the post.
The hosts came agonisingly close to equalising in the closing stages when Eva Hubbard’s lofted effort over Sansom just missed the target.
After a lengthy period of added time, Bedford secured the all-important three points, moving them ahead of both Norwich City and Chatham Town in second and third, respectively.
Next up for the Pirates is a trip to Biggleswade United in the Women’s Senior Cup semi-final on Sunday 16th February.
After the match, O’Brien said:
“It was a tough start to the season but as we go on, I feel more confident. I think the team that I’m playing with are great, and I can’t ask for any more.”
The Pirates are next at home on Sunday 9th March, facing Actonians in the league. Tickets for the match are available here
RBFC Women: Sansom, Warren, Puddick (Newman 81’), Biggadike, Evans, Stovold, O’Brien (McLean 85’), Wilson (Hayes 76’), Meola, Grant, Bensted.
Unused subs: Gaylor.
Cambridge United 1 - 2 Real Bedford
13th February, 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Location: The Premier Plus Stadium
