Real Bedford left Frustrated in 0-0 draw Against Norwich city
Real Bedford dominated their top-of-the-table clash against Norwich City but were unable to convert their chances, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Despite controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities, the Pirates were left frustrated as they failed to find the breakthrough.
Real Bedford came out strong from the whistle in this top-of-the-table showdown at The Nest. In the 5th minute, Sarah Quantrill, Norwich City’s goalkeeper, made an early stop from an on-target effort by Abbie Bensted, but the shot lacked the power to truly test her. Bensted continued to threaten, firing another shot from the edge of the box, but this time it flew over the crossbar, missing the target.
Real Bedford dominated possession in the first half, constantly putting Norwich City under pressure in their own half. Tricia Gould had a flurry of chances around the 20th minute, but none found the back of the net. Bedford controlled the tempo, and Norwich found themselves pinned back, but despite several attacking plays, the Pirates couldn’t break the deadlock.
Norwich had their moment of controversy in the 31st minute when they made appeals for a goal, claiming the ball had crossed the line during a defensive scramble in Bedford’s box. However, the referee dismissed the calls, and the game continued with no change to the scoreline. At halftime, Real Bedford were left frustrated, going into the break with a 0-0 scoreline despite being the better side.
Second Half
The second half followed much of the same script, with Bedford maintaining their momentum and putting pressure on Norwich. The Pirates continued to carve out chances, with Sofia Stovold coming close in the 50th minute, flicking a free-kick just over the bar from a Biggadike free-kick. Shortly after, Chiara Meola struck the side netting, keeping the Norwich defence on high alert.
As the game wore on, Norwich City had a brief moment of hope, with substitute Freya Symonds delivering a beautiful cross to forward Snelling, but the ball was just out of her reach. At the other end, Norwich’s keeper pulled off a crucial clearance, rushing off her line to deny Amy McLean in a tense one-on-one situation.
Late on, substitute Morran, coming on in the 70th minute, fired a shot at the Bedford goal, but her effort was well blocked by The Pirates solid defence, with Stovold standing firm.
Bedford piled on the pressure in the final minutes, sensing they could snatch a late winner. However, despite their relentless attack, the goal never came.
The Pirates are next at home on Sunday 27th October, facing Chesham in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC Women: Sansom, Warren, Puddick, Biggadike (Hayes 76’), Evans, Stovold, Newman (Mitchell 63’), Wilson (McLean 63’), Gould (O’Brien 76’), Meola, Bensted.
Unused Subs: Clarke.
Norwich 0 - 0 Real Bedford
6th October, 2024
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: The Nest
