Head double seals perfect group campaign for the Pirates
Real Bedford Women secured top spot in FAWNL League Cup Group P with an impressive 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur PGA at the Ledger Stadium.
Real Bedford Women 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur PGA
FAWNL League Cup - Group P
Attendance: 232
Real Bedford began searching for openings through their deliveries into the penalty area. Drè Georgiou’s ninth-minute free-kick was headed clear before Sophie Byrom’s effort was pushed behind for the Pirates’ first corner. Head and Mehmet then combined to create another opportunity, with a Spurs defender diverting the ball out for a further corner.
Anele Komani was another creative influence. She found Head outside the box, although nobody could connect with the resulting cross, before a purposeful run into the area allowed her to pick out Mehmet, whose shot was blocked.
Tottenham posed a threat of their own, and Meale was called into action twice during an important first-half spell. She produced an excellent save in the 24th minute before denying another effort curling towards the top-left corner four minutes later, keeping the contest level.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute. Mehmet found herself clear in front of goal and struck an effort that the Tottenham goalkeeper got a touch to, but could not keep out. The ball rolled into the net to give Real Bedford the lead.
The Pirates almost added a second shortly afterwards when Lily Whitelock hit the crossbar. Komani then showed skilful footwork inside the box before Head forced a save at the near post, ensuring Real Bedford finished the half with further attacking promise.
Second half
Real Bedford resumed their search for a second immediately after the restart. Mehmet sent a shot wide before Head met Georgiou’s delivery in the 50th minute, only to see her effort strike the post. Meale then made another important save, pushing the ball away to protect the Pirates’ narrow advantage.
Head subsequently supplied Whitelock with an inviting pass, but Tottenham defended the opportunity and conceded a corner. The woodwork frustrated Real Bedford again in the 57th minute when Georgiou’s corner nearly went straight in, striking the post.
The second goal finally arrived in the 62nd minute following an excellent move. Mehmet released Whitelock down the left, and her cross found Head, who powered the ball into the net to give the Pirates breathing space.
Bill introduced Nicola Puddick for Byrom before Amber Gaylor and Zynia Delglyn replaced Georgiou and Whitelock. Real Bedford continued to create chances, with Head firing just wide after receiving a fine pass in front of goal. Mylee Baker then replaced Hannah Warren as the Pirates entered the closing stages.
Tottenham’s goalkeeper produced an outstanding save to deny Mehmet in the 81st minute, but the Pirates’ persistence brought a third in the final minute of normal time. Mehmet delivered a cross to Head, who powered home with the goalkeeper out of position to complete her double.
Three goals, another clean sheet and maximum points ensured the Pirates finished their group campaign in style.
The Pirates head to Plymouth for more league action on Sunday 4th October.
Lineup: Meale, McLean, Warren (C), Bartlett-Antwi, Hind, Georgiou, Mehmet, Komani, Byrom, Whitelock, Head.
Subs: Puddick, Baker, Delglyn, Gaylor.