Real Bedford Ladies Confirm League Title Against Luton Town
The Pirates came back from behind in a tense affair at McMullen Park which finished with the home side lifting the league trophy as they confirmed their promotion with three games to spare.
Despite coming out on top over the 90 minutes, Real Bedford got off to a bad start conceding inside the first 90 seconds. Catching Bedford on the counter, Luton got their first through Jess McKay as the captain slotted the ball underneath Hudson for the opener.
It would take 30 minutes for The Pirates to level up the scoring, also through their captain Zara Carroll. A good ball off a corner from Lisa Milliken caused the ball to fall to the skipper who smashed it home on the half-volley to even up proceedings heading into the break.
Second Half
In contrast to the first half, Bedford came out the blocks well after the second whistle and soon got a goal to show for it. Once again off a corner taken by Milliken this time Carroll met the ball first time heading it home to give her side the lead for the first time.
Minutes later Gemma Croucher added the finishing touch, after a good cross from Chloe Martin and flick on from Fensome, Bedford’s number 10 hit the ball on the volley and smashed it home to double The Pirates’ lead.
It wasn’t plain sailing from there though, as Luton got themselves back into the match. An inviting cross from Buttigieg was met by the head of Jess McKay who guided it past Hudson for her second of the match.
Luton continued to pile the pressure on The Pirates, but some strong defensive work from Gemma Franklin in particular sealed the deal for the home side after 102 minutes of football.
With the whistle sounded the celebrations commenced as Real Bedford were crowned champions, lifting the league trophy high into Bedfordshire skies. The Ladies’ team have the opportunity to complete a treble with both a County Cup and League Cup Final also on the horizon.
Real Bedford Ladies 3 - 2 Luton Town Ladies
28th April, 2024
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: McMullen Park
