Real Bedford Ladies concede their first loss in the league against Haringey
A shock first half at McMullen Park led to second place Haringey, breaking The Pirate's perfect league form in front of a large home crowd.
he wind certainly played its part in this match, with a running theme of long-range efforts coming from the visitors with the wind at their back in the first 45. The first fell to Ronnell Humes, who dispossessed Amy Reed in the 11th minute and fired an audacious shot towards goal from 35 yards out, nestling it in the top corner to open the scoring in fine fashion.
Minutes later, The Pirates looked to hit back off a corner. An in-swinging effort from Lisa Milliken was well connected with by Erin Price, but her header was wide of the goal. The home side was then awarded a golden opportunity to level up the game. Chloe Martin received the ball on the left flank and floated it to Cesca Partridge; the striker stopped the ball dead in front of Fensome, who got to the ball before Liamara Hensel-Burg in the Haringey net but couldn't poke it home.
Haringey then doubled their lead. This time, it was Chloe Ions, off a corner, who swung the ball into the area but, thanks to the conditions, ended up finding the back of the net herself. Bedford soon had the ball in the back of the net at the other end of the pitch. Tash Fensome found Partridge with a floated ball, who smashed into the roof of the net. However, the goal was ruled out as Gemma Croucher was found to be in an offside position and the eye-line of the goalkeeper despite not touching the ball.
Haringey then produced another stunning effort. This time, a free-kick from Rimini Lowe from close to halfway found its way into the back of the net 5 minutes before the break. The visitors got their fourth and final goal moments later. Another corner caused problems for The Pirates and was headed home by Victoria Campbell.
Second Half
With the wind at their backs, Real Bedford were dominant throughout the second half but had set themselves an almighty task after conceding four goals in the opening 45 minutes.
Chances fell to Lisa Milliken, Cesca Partridge, and Chloe Martin, all of which were saved by Hensel-Burg. Bedford did manage to get on the score sheet just past the hour mark. Erin Price connecting with a Milliken corner, this time on target, was enough to get Real a crucial first goal.
But the visitors stayed resilient, fighting off chances for Real Bedford, defending well, and marking Real Bedford Ladies' first loss of 2024 and their first dropped points this campaign.
Real Bedford Ladies 1 - 4 Haringey Women
7th April, 2024
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: McMullen Park
