Early Setback Fails to Stop Pirates’ Cup Progress
Real Bedford recovered from conceding an early penalty to secure a 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough and continue their FA Women’s National League Cup campaign.
Middlesbrough 1-3 Real Bedford Women
FAWNL League Cup
The afternoon began with an immediate setback as Middlesbrough won a penalty inside the opening minute. Galloway converted, directing her spot-kick into the bottom-left corner to give the hosts an early advantage.
The Pirates responded almost immediately. Awarded a penalty of their own in the fourth minute, Real Bedford drew level through Head, who calmly placed her effort into the bottom-left corner. With just five minutes played, the scores were level and the early momentum had shifted.
Real Bedford continued to threaten, winning their first corner before Drè Georgiou delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area. Zyn Delglyn’s effort was saved, with Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ruby Cook reacting quickly to deny the Pirates from close range.
At the other end, Meale made an important save from a free-kick outside the box in the 18th minute. The goalkeeper subsequently required treatment but was able to continue.
Middlesbrough remained dangerous, with Niamh Boothroyd sending one ambitious effort just over the bar before creating space for another shot that went wide. Real Bedford, however, continued to find openings of their own.
Melis Mehmet picked out Head with a well-worked pass on the half-hour mark, only for her shot to be blocked. Head was not to be denied for long. From a corner, her effort found its way into the net to complete her brace and put the Pirates 2-1 ahead.
Mehmet then had a shot blocked inside the penalty area as the Pirates sought to extend their advantage before the break.
There was still defensive work to do. Galloway supplied Boothroyd for a low effort that Meale saved, before Sophie McLean produced a crucial block shortly before half-time. Galloway had squared the ball to Lauren Robson inside the box, but McLean intervened to ensure Real Bedford went into the interval ahead.
Second half
The contest remained closely fought after the restart. Meale dealt with an early Middlesbrough effort, while the Pirates won two corners inside the opening five minutes of the half. Boothroyd also threatened again for the hosts, sending a shot narrowly wide.
Georgiou looked to release Komani with a pass that was blocked, before Komani seized on a mistake from Cook but could not retain possession long enough to capitalise.
Real Bedford’s defensive contributions remained important. Blue Bartlett-Antwi made a vital headed intervention around the hour mark, while Middlesbrough’s Millie Bell headed just over from a Robson corner as the hosts pursued an equaliser.
Delglyn sent a free-kick over the bar in the 62nd minute, and Head subsequently won another foul on the edge of the penalty area. With the advantage still only one goal, Meale then made another decisive intervention, reaching the ball first and clearing as Middlesbrough threatened to break through in the 70th minute.
Four minutes later, the Pirates secured breathing space. Cook was unable to hold a cross, and Komani reacted to power the loose ball into the net, putting Real Bedford 3-1 ahead.
Lucy Wood and Sophie Byrom replaced Delglyn and Mehmet in the 79th minute, but Middlesbrough continued to search for a route back into the match. Maxwell drove into the box and shot narrowly wide, before Meale pushed away another effort from outside the area.
The goalkeeper remained alert late on, also saving when Turnbull directed a Tyler Dodds cross towards goal.
Mylee Baker replaced Nicola Puddick in the 90th minute, with Bea Cunnison coming on for Bartlett-Antwi in added time as Real Bedford completed the victory.
Head’s first-half double and Komani’s second-half finish provided the goals, but the Pirates’ resilience throughout an entertaining cup tie was equally important in securing their passage through.
The Pirates prepare for the FA Cup as Fulham visit the Ledger Stadium on Sunday 15th November. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: Meale, McLean, Warren (C), Bartlett-Antwi, Puddick, Georgiou, Hind, Mehmet, Komani, Delglyn, Head.
Subs: Wood, Baker, Cunnison, Byrom.