Record Crowd Sees Real Bedford Women Defeat MK Dons 3-0
A record crowd of 342 for a women’s game at The Ledger Stadium watched Real Bedford claim a 3-0 victory over MK Dons in a fiercely contested cup derby. Second-half goals from Mitchell, Warren, and Meola, and a player of the match performance from Jess Evans, put The Pirates into the next round of the League Cup.
MK Dons arrived at The Ledger Stadium for this hotly anticipated cup derby match, with an air of tension surrounding the fixture. Real Bedford’s new manager and his staff, along with several players, had only joined The Pirates over the summer, bringing added spice to the encounter.
Both teams had points to prove. MK Dons' players were eager to show they could compete with their old teammates, while Real Bedford were determined to knock out a Tier 3 side from the cup. As the players took to the pitch, they were greeted by a record crowd for a women's game at The Ledger Stadium of nearly 350, with over 1,000 more tuning in via the live stream. With one eye on their upcoming game against QPR on Sunday, and amidst a hectic schedule of three games in eight days, manager Charlie Bill made a number of changes to keep his players fresh.
From the first whistle, MK Dons came out with intensity, supported by a boisterous group of travelling fans. Throwing themselves into challenges and pressed hard, they set out to disrupt Real Bedford's possession play. Their aggressive approach paid dividends early on, as they stifled The Pirates’ efforts to build from the back.
Real Bedford had the first significant chance in the 5th minute when Gemma Biggadike's free-kick was met by Stovold, who could only direct her effort wide. Moments later, another free-kick from Biggadike saw Dicks glance a header just out of reach of McLean at the far post, setting the tone for a game defined by set-pieces.
Despite the early pressure from the visitors, The Pirates' defence held firm, with Jess Evans, the eventual player of the match, leading by example to repel numerous MK Dons attacks. Tyana Nee-Chambers was a constant threat in midfield, creating space in the middle to open channels on either wing.
The Dons came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute when Nee-Chambers skipped past several defenders and set Byrom free on the left. Her shot was tipped over the bar by Darcy Guy, leaving the teams to head into halftime goalless.
Second Half
Charlie Bill made a tactical switch at halftime, bringing on Laura Mitchell for Amy McLean, and the change paid immediate dividends. Just six minutes after the restart, a deep free-kick from Milly Hayes was well controlled by Mitchell, who blasted the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations from the home fans.
Real Bedford thought they had doubled their lead shortly after. Mitchell, continuing to make an impact, played a clever backheel to Biggadike, who crossed deep into the box. The ball was cleared by MK Dons but only as far as Sofia Stovold, whose strike from 25 yards rattled the underside of the bar and bounced out. Replays suggested the ball had crossed the line, but the goal was not given.
Undeterred, The Pirates did eventually double their lead, with a goal that mirrored the first. Another deep free-kick from Hayes was brought down by Alex Dicks, who found Hannah Warren in space to poke the ball home, for a rare goal for the defender.
Charlie Bill's subsequent substitutions, introducing Abbie Bensted and Chiara Meola, allowed Real Bedford to take full control of the game. In the 80th minute, they finished off the contest in style. A slick one-touch move involving Mitchell, Warren, and Meola set Emily Wilson free down the right. She clipped the ball over an oncoming defender and crossed into the box where Meola struck first-time past the keeper, sealing a memorable 3-0 victory.
Real Bedford now face Loftus Road on Sunday 1st September to face QPR in the league. Travelling fans require tickets in advance.
The Pirates are next at home on Sunday 8th September, facing Chatham Town in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC Women: Guy, Warren, Puddick, Biggadike, Evans, Stovold, Newman, Hayes (Wilson 76’), McLean (Mitchell 46’), Gould (Meola 66’), Dicks (Bensted 66’).
Unused Subs: Price.
Real Bedford 3 - 0 MK Dons
28th August, 2024
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
