Real Bedford win a tight semi-final against Luton Town in the League Cup
Real Bedford booked their place in the League Cup Final after a tight game against Luton Town. Goals from Tasha Fensome and Chloe Martin were enough to give The Pirates the win.
In a fiercely contested League Cup semi-final, Real Bedford travelled to Barton to face Luton Town Ladies, setting the stage ahead of two crucial league games between the sides. With the sides yet to face each other this season and Luton being the only team still in contention to challenge for the league, all eyes were on this tie to see how the teams compared.
The match was played under challenging conditions, as the morning's downpour left the pitch heavy and play cumbersome. Playing uphill in the first half, Real Bedford almost took an early lead when Tasha Fensome's shot went over the crossbar within the opening five minutes. However, Luton seized control of the game, capitalising on the pitch's incline, and Andie Dickens broke the deadlock in the 14th minute with a long-range effort that skidded under Sarah Hudson in the Bedford goal.
Luton continued to have the best of the opening half, having the best of the midfield with their attackers causing problems for the Bedford defence. Still, Bedford came back into the game towards the end of the first half, including a notable save by Amy Butler from Gemma Croucher's shot. Just as it looked like Luton would head into the break with a 1-0 lead, Fensome volleyed an equaliser from a cleared corner.
Second Half
The second half saw Bedford dominating early possession as they took advantage of the slope. Despite holding the majority of possession, The Pirates struggled to create clear-cut chances.
As the rain persisted, making play increasingly difficult, Bedford's took a fortunate lead 17 minutes from time. Chloe Martin's cross fortuitously looped over Butler, nudging Bedford ahead.
Bedford continued to apply pressure, looking to close out the game as Luton struggled to create chances. Amber Smith had two excellent opportunities to extend their lead, but both sailed over the bar.
As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, Bedford adopted a defensive stance against a Luton side desperate for an equaliser. They limited the home side to a couple of long-range chances, well collected by Sarah Hudson in goal, giving The Pirates a 2-1 victory as they advance to face Wroxham in the final.
Luton Town 1 - 2 Real Bedford Ladies
10th March, 2024
Kick-off: 1:30pm
Location: Barton Rovers
