Real Bedford Women Survive Late London Bees Rally to Record Second Win
Real Bedford survived a second-half comeback to record a 3-2 victory over London Bees, securing their second win of the season after taking a first-half three-goal lead.
Real Bedford arrived at The Hive eager to build on their opening day victory against Ashford Town, while the London Bees were determined to secure their first win after a draw against QPR.
The match kicked off with both sides testing each other in the opening 20 minutes, but neither team managed to create any clear chances.
The first real opportunity of the match fell to the Bees. They broke free into the box on the right and unleashed a wicked shot, but Real Bedford’s goalkeeper, Darcy Guy tipped the ball onto the bar to keep the scores level.
Real Bedford responded soon after, with Gemma Biggadike finding space on the right and delivering a dangerous cross into the box. However, Laura Mitchell's outstretched leg could only push the ball wide of the post.
The game burst into life in the 23rd minute when Real Bedford's high press paid off. Chiara Meola charged down a back pass to the Bees' goalkeeper, who showed too much of the ball to the tenacious number 10. In an effort to clear, the ball ricocheted off Meola and into the net, giving the visitors a fortunate lead.
Just two minutes later, Real Bedford doubled their advantage. Meola turned provider, finding Abbie Bensted on the edge of the box. Bensted feinted past the defense before unleashing a rocket into the top right corner, scoring her second goal in as many games.
Real Bedford continued to press and made it 3-0 within 10 minutes. Biggadike intercepted a loose ball in midfield and set Trisha Gould free on the left. Gould raced into the box, shifted past an oncoming defender, and squared the ball to Meola, who calmly side-footed her shot into the top right-hand corner for her brace.
Second Half
As the first half ended, it appeared that Real Bedford might run away with the game, but the Bees came out in the second half with renewed energy. They played a higher, tighter press, forcing Real Bedford into mistakes and disrupting their passing game.
Despite the pressure from the Bees, it was Real Bedford who almost scored again. Bensted nearly followed up her first-half goal with another spectacular effort, hitting a swerving shot from 25 yards that rattled off the bar.
The Bees finally found their way back into the match in the 69th minute. After a disputed throw-in decision, the home side took a quick throw, catching Bedford off guard. The ball found its way into the box, and the Bees striker rifled a shot past Darcy Guy to make it 3-1.
The goal revitalised the North London side, who pushed forward relentlessly, sensing a potential comeback. Their efforts paid off in the 2nd minute of injury time when Constantine received the ball in the box, wrong-footed the Bedford defence, and slammed it beyond Guy to set up a nervy finish.
With only minutes remaining, the Bees piled on the pressure, but Real Bedford held firm, securing their second win of the season.
RBFC Women: Guy, Warren, Puddick (Newman 76’), Biggadike, Price, Stovold, Mitchell (McLean 70’), Wilson, Bensted (Hayes 84’), Gould, Meola (Dicks 70’).
Unused Subs: Davies.
London Bees 2 - 3 Real Bedford
25th August, 2024
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: The Hive
