Real Bedford Women Exit FA Cup After 3-1 Loss to Cambridge United
Real Bedford Women were knocked out of the Women's FA Cup after a 3-1 defeat to Cambridge United away from home. Despite a promising performance, the Pirates couldn’t overcome their opposition, who capitalised on key moments to advance to the next round.
Real Bedford started brightly, with their first real opportunity coming in the 6th minute. Chiara Meola nearly gave Bedford the lead, but her well-placed shot was brilliantly saved by Cambridge goalkeeper Webb, who kept her side level in the opening stages.
Just four minutes later, Cambridge struck first blood. Wiltshire found herself in space and slotted the ball past Bedford's keeper Sansom to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The early goal shifted momentum in Cambridge’s favour, but the game soon settled into a more balanced affair, with both teams creating minor chances without threatening either goalkeeper.
In the 34th minute, Real Bedford found their breakthrough. Hannah Warren sent a dangerous cross into the Cambridge box, which the defence failed to clear. The ball fell kindly to Abbie Bensted, who smashed it past Webb to bring Bedford level at 1-1. The equaliser gave Bedford renewed confidence as they pushed forward, seeking to take control of the match.
However, just before halftime, Cambridge regained their lead. A corner in the 45th minute found Jackson unmarked in the box, and she headed home to put Cambridge 2-1 up going into the break. It was a frustrating end to the half for Bedford, who had worked hard to get back into the game.
Second Half
Real Bedford came out for the second half with renewed energy, looking to turn the game around. They controlled possession and pressed higher up the pitch, but clear chances were hard to come by for either side in the early stages of the half.
The game’s turning point came in the 70th minute when Bedford came agonisingly close to levelling the score. Abbie Bensted unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but it cannoned off the post, denying Bedford a deserved equaliser.
Just minutes later, in the 74th minute, Tricia Gould broke free on the counter-attack and seemed destined to score. However, Webb once again proved to be Cambridge’s saviour, making a crucial one-on-one save to keep her side in front. Webb was called into action again just a minute later, pulling off another stop to deny Gould as Bedford piled on the pressure.
Despite Bedford’s dominance in the second half, it was Cambridge who found the back of the net again. In the 82nd minute, Wodhams managed to poke the ball past Sansom from close range, making it 3-1 and all but sealing the game for the home side.
The Pirates continued to push forward in search of a lifeline, but Cambridge held firm, with Webb’s goalkeeping heroics proving vital in maintaining their lead. When the final whistle blew, Real Bedford were left to reflect on missed chances and a disappointing exit from the Women’s FA Cup.
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 83’), Evans, Stovold, McLean (O’Brien 63’), Wilson (Mitchell 63’), Gould, Meola, Bensted.
Unused Subs: Newman, Herd.
Cambridge United 3 - 1 Real Bedford
13th October, 2024
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: St Neots Town FC
