Five-star Pirates cruise into Women’s FA Cup second round

Real Bedford secured a place in the second round of the Women’s FA Cup with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers at the Ledger Stadium.

Real Bedford Women 5-0 Dussindale & Helledon Rovers
FA Cup - First Round

Real Bedford established possession early and had the ball in the net after six minutes. Drè Georgiou delivered into the penalty area, but a foul was awarded and the effort was disallowed.

The visitors made an early substitution following an injury stoppage, while the Pirates continued to probe. Byrom threatened with runs into the area, including one that produced a pass towards Ellie Head, who could not connect.

McLean then won a free-kick just outside the box, before Mehmet had an effort blocked by the goalkeeper. Head was also denied from distance in the 28th minute, but the breakthrough followed moments later.

The ball fell invitingly for Head, who powered her finish into the net to give Real Bedford a deserved lead after 29 minutes.

The Pirates doubled their advantage seven minutes later. Weaver supplied Byrom, who directed her finish into the bottom-left corner to reward another spell of attacking pressure.

Mehmet was increasingly influential as the interval approached. A strong central run ended with a save in the 42nd minute, but she found the net two minutes later. Despite being challenged inside the box, her effort rolled in to give Real Bedford a commanding 3-0 half-time advantage.

Second half

The Pirates maintained their attacking intent after the restart. Mehmet fired over before Byrom found Head, whose attempt drifted wide. Zyn then had a goal ruled out for offside, but soon added the fourth legitimately.

After the ball rebounded off the post in the 56th minute, Zyn reacted to smash it home and extend Real Bedford’s lead.

Anele Komani and Mylee Baker replaced Georgiou and Head, with both substitutes quickly involved. Baker cut inside and forced a save before Komani curled a superb finish into the top-right corner in the 67th minute to make it five.

Real Bedford continued creating chances, with Zyn denied again and Hind seeing a shot deflected. Rovers struck the inside of the post late on, but the Pirates preserved their clean sheet.

A header from Wood flew over in added time, bringing a dominant attacking display to a close and confirming Real Bedford’s progress into the Secound round.

Lineup: Meale, Warren (C), Cunnison, Hind, McLean, Mehmet, Georgiou, Weaver, Byrom, Delglyn, Head.

Subs: Puddick, Komani, Wood, Baker, Bowers, Gaylor.