Frustration For Real Bedford Women as Exeter Claim 2-1 Victory
By Louie Truman
After the long journey to Exeter, Real Bedford Women were left frustrated as missed opportunities proved costly in a 2-1 defeat. Despite creating several promising chances throughout the match, they were unable to make them count.
The hosts had a positive start to the fixture; Amber pushed forward into the penalty area and had the first shot on goal which was saved by Meale. Exeter had a couple more chances, but Stovold prevented the Grecians from having a shot on target.
In the 18th minute, Real Bedford won their first corner as Lane made a great run and tried to cross the ball in. From the corner, Warren played the ball over to Grant who found herself in front of goal, but she was just offside. Exeter continued to create chances, but the Pirates managed to defend well.
Izzy Lane went down in the 30th minute, and she was replaced by Issy Bryant just one minute later. The Pirates had a couple of good opportunities to open the scoring, Bensted picked the ball up at the edge of the box, but her shot went just over. Wood also had a brilliant chance; her shot just hit the crossbar. It ended goalless at the break.
Second Half
Real Bedford started the second half with a few minutes of defending as they struggled to move out of their own half.
Bensted managed to win a penalty, and Issy Bryant managed to convert from the spot to give Real Bedford the lead. However, Exeter were also given a penalty which they managed to score. J
ust minutes later, Exeter scored to go 2-1 and Meale made a brilliant save to stop Exeter from scoring three.
Meanwhile, the Pirates went to ten players as Scarlett Williams received her second yellow. It ended 2-1 to the Grecians.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“An incredibly tough one to take yesterday. We felt we never hit our levels. We know coming to a tough place like Exeter away if you drop quality, you will get punished. It’s vital to see a reaction now going into next weekend when we host Gwalia.”
Next up for the Pirates is a home game against Gwalia United on Sunday the 29th of March. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold, Warren, Puddick, Rush, O’Meara (Mehmet 70’), Wood (Byrom 70’), Bensted, Grant (Logie 87’), Lane (Bryant 31’).
Unused Subs: Cunnison, Fields-Davis, Baker.
Exeter City 2-1 Real Bedford
Sunday 22nd March 2026
Venue: The County Ground, Coach Road, TQ12 1EJ
Kick-Off: 2:00pm
