Real Bedford Ladies Dispatch Royston At McMullen Park
Royston Town Ladies arrived at McMullen Park looking to end The Pirates' perfect start to the season. The match had an added layer of spice, as Royston is the former team of Real Bedford's Gemma Croucher.
Erin Price was making her debut in Real's defence, looking to add some extra steel; however, Royston took control of the game early on. They had the edge in the first half, maintaining control in the midfield and proving dangerous on counter-attacks.
Royston could have had a penalty early on as Stacey Roper, clean through on goal, stumbled in the box after jumping a tackle from the oncoming Hudson, but the referee waved play on, denying the shouts for a penalty.
Real Bedford had their chances, too, and in the 15th minute, they had an excellent opportunity to take the lead. However, Royston's goalkeeper, Ellie Starter, made two good saves on the line to keep the score level. Tasha Fensome also had an opportunity for Bedford just before the break but was tackled well as she raced towards goal.
Royston left the field at halftime, feeling they had the upper hand and unlucky not to be ahead.
Second Half
The second half painted a different picture. Bedford gained control, and Fensome broke the deadlock in the 49th minute after a long ball from Erin Price found her via a deflection. Fensome, in good scoring form, was clinical, sending the ball to the top corner.
The momentum stayed with the home side, and Fensome added another in the 57th minute following a defensive mixup in Royston's defence.
Royston pulled a goal back when substitute Jordanne Sillitoe scored with her first touch. However, Real Bedford's CJ soon stole the spotlight with a wonder goal. Tash Fensome, with her back to goal, whipped a ball over the Royston defence. CJ raced onto the ball and let fly from the box's edge, finding the top corner.
The game was put beyond doubt when Fensome completed her hat-trick, receiving a through ball from Neve and rounding the goalkeeper to make it 4-1.
After a tough first half against a well-organised Royston, The Pirates did well to take all three points with a good second-half performance.
Real Bedford Ladies 4 - 1 Royston Town Ladies
8th October, 2023
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: McMullen Park
