Real Bedford continued their impressive goal-scoring streak with a decisive 7-1 victory over London Seaward in a physical away game. Abby Bensted led the way scoring back to back hat-tricks in another player of the match performance.

The Pirates arrived in London looking for a win as Actonians were playing at Norwich, giving the Bedford side a chance to go top of the league.

The warning signs were delivered early as Amy McLean and Laura Mitchell missed glaring chances in the opening minutes, but the early pressure paid off in the 13th minute as Mitchell expertly dribbled into the box and delivered a low cross to Bensted, who slid in to convert the opening goal and give Bedford the lead. Just ten minutes later, O’Brien doubled the advantage in style. Making a solo run down the left wing, she cut in and blasted the ball past the keeper at the near post.

Despite Bedford’s dominance, London Seaward found their way onto the scoresheet in the 38th minute. A cross into Bedford’s box caused confusion, and the ball deflected off Stovold’s knee and over Sansom, resulting in an unfortunate own goal that brought the score to 2-1. However, Bedford regained their composure quickly and in added time, Puddick’s brilliant dribbling along the left, led to a cross that found Bensted, who blasted the ball into the net for her second goal of the day, sending the Pirates into the break with a comfortable lead at 3-1.

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Second Half

The Pirates came out strong in the second half, and within minutes, they extended their lead. In the 47th minute, Hannah Warren broke down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross that Bensted volleyed home, securing yet another hat-trick following her incredible five-goal haul against Chesham.

Bedford’s momentum only grew from there. McLean was brought down in the box in the 51st minute and converted the resulting penalty with calm accuracy, sending Baker the wrong way.

Just minutes later, Warren once again displayed her playmaking skills, delivering a superb through ball that left McLean one-on-one with the keeper. McLean cut inside the defender and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to push the score to 6-1.

In the 77th minute, Bedford were awarded another penalty after a Seaward defender handled the ball in the box. Mitchell confidently stepped up and placed her shot into the net, marking Bedford’s seventh and final goal.

As tensions continued to rise, Seaward’s physicality took its toll when their number 3 received a second yellow card in the 87th minute, leaving the home side to finish the match with ten players.

The Pirates are next at home on Sunday 17th November, facing Dulwich Hamlet in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.

RBFC Women: Sansom, Warren, Puddick, Biggadike, Clarke (Newman 65’), Stovold, McLean (O’Leary 65’), O’Brien (Hayes 78’), Mitchell (Wilson 78’), Meola, Bensted (Gould 78’).

London Seaward 1 - 7 Real Bedford
10th November, 2024
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: Oakside Stadium

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