Real Bedford Ladies complete historic treble against Wroxham Women
The Pirates won the League Cup Final on Sunday to add to the County Cup and League Trophy already picked up throughout an incredible inaugural campaign for the club.
Bedford had the best possible start, grabbing an early goal. An in-swinging corner from Lisa Milliken caused trouble for the Wroxham defence, and a Yachtswoman player headed the ball into the net, giving Real Bedford an early lead.
Cesca Partridge was involved in a nasty clash of heads 10 minutes later and was forced to leave the pitch with a large bruise over her eye. Sophie Billing was subbed on and immediately made a difference, crossing the ball onto the hand of a Wroxham defender in the area, forcing the referee to point to the spot. Gemma Croucher stepped up and smashed the ball into the back of the net, doubling The Pirates' lead.
Real Bedford continued to dominate in the midfield and reaped the rewards again on the half-hour mark. Tash Fensome broke down the left flank before firing the ball across the face of the goal, finding Amber Smith at the back post, where she fired her effort into the roof of the net from metres out to continue her goal-scoring form in cup finals.
Just before the break, Bedford seemed to put the game out of sight for Wroxham with a fourth. This time, Croucher slid a ball through to Fensome, who rounded the keeper and tucked it home for her 34th campaign goal.
Second Half
Despite heading into the break with a 4-goal head start, The Pirates were pushed in the second 45 by a spirited Wroxham side.
The attempted comeback started 5 minutes into the half. Wroxham were awarded a free-kick, which was put away well by Becky Russell despite the best efforts of Destiny Pap in goal.
5 minutes later, Wroxham got their second off a scrappy set piece, with Lily Alexander firing the ball into the roof of the net, putting Real Bedford fans on edge around Newmarket.
Wroxham soon came close to scoring a third as they hit the crossbar after another well-delivered corner. Fensome then came close at the other end of the pitch, catching Wroxham on the counter, but her effort slid across the face of the goal.
In the game's closing stages, Fensome was in again. She laid the ball off to Lisa Milliken, who struck it sweetly the first time but could not keep it down. Denying the defender the chance to round off the season in style.
The final whistle of the season's final game marked the conclusion of an incredible campaign for the club. With three trophies in the club's first season as Real Bedford Ladies, the tone has been set, highlighting the ambition the club has within the women's game.
Many of the treble-winning squad on Sunday have been a part of the set-up in Bedford for many years, goalkeeper Destiny Pap having joined the club at 12, whilst forwards Lauren Coppin and Tash Fensome both joined Bedford at the age of 8. Gemma Franklin, Zara Carroll and Sophie Mulvihill have also been with the club for long stints ahead of this historic campaign.
Real Bedford Ladies 4 - 2 Wroxham Women
19th May, 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Newmarket Town FC
