Real Bedford Ladies Progress Through Vitality Women’s FA Cup
Real Bedford Ladies produced a dominant performance as they opened their FA Cup campaign away at Hackney Women in the second-round qualifying this weekend.
Riding the wave of confidence from two goals in her last two games, Sophie Billing retained her place in the starting XI and new signing Kaydee King debuted in defence, stepping in for the injured Kaylen Gerkey.
Tasha Fensome produced one of her greatest performances for Bedford with a hat-trick and four assists in a 9-2 victory.
The first half demonstrated the winning form the team has found this season, with the away side scoring five without conceding. Gemma Franklin opened the scoring, marking her first goal of the season just 7 minutes into the game, thanks to Gemma Croucher's good work. It wasn't long before the Pirates were 2-0, Sophie Billing continuing her excellent run of form and finding the back of the net.
Tasha Fensome got her second of the game and The Pirates' third, latching onto a header from Billing. Fensome then switched to provider, crafting an assist for Gemma Croucher.
Tasha's second goal and Real's 5th saw her smash a hard shot towards goal, with the keeper managed to get a hand to but could not stop crossing the line.
The Pirates entered the half-time break 5-0 up, with the tie effectively over.
Second Half
The second half saw Bedford continue their attacking play. Fensome created Croucher's second goal of the game, and with the game looking like it would get further away from Hackney, they showed spirit, not giving up and pulling one back.
Tasha quickly restored The Pirates' six-goal lead with her best goal of the game – a beautiful lob following a perfect long-range ball into the box from captain Zara Caroll.
Sarah Hudson denied Hackney a second with an excellent penalty save. Subsequently, Cesca Patridge came off the bench to grab a brace, her first goal created by Tasha, where she chipped the goalie and her second was found free in the box by CJ and scored to make it nine for the Pirates.
Just before the final whistle blew, Hackney found a second consolation goal.
Real Bedford Ladies return to action on Sunday to face Royston Town at McMullen Park. Tickets will be available at the gate!
Hackney 2 - 9 Real Bedford Ladies
24th September, 2023
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: McMullen Park
