By Will Murray

Real Bedford Women ended the 2024/25 FAWNL Division One South East season with a 3-1 defeat against Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill. The loss was the Pirates’ first of the league campaign, ending hopes of finishing unbeaten.

Due to both Chloe Sansom and Darcy Guy being unavailable, captain Gemma Biggadike was forced to deputise as the Pirates keeper for their match against Dulwich Hamlet.

The hosts nearly found a way past Biggadike 20 seconds into the match when Angie Dunbar-Bonnie’s effort struck the crossbar.

The Pirates’ first chance came through Breon Grant, who unleashed a powerful strike from inside the box, which was well saved by Saskia Reeves Priestly.

Nine minutes later, Amber Gaylor also came close to opening the scoring – dribbling past several players and eventually seeing her shot saved again by Reeves Priestly.

Grant, who caused Dulwich’s defenders problems throughout the first half, put the Pirates ahead in the 24th minute. She was played through and smashed the ball home for a well-deserved lead.

Charlie Bill’s side had chances to double their lead through Sofia Stovold and Chiara Meola, but both were unable to apply the finishing touch.

Just before the break, Dulwich nearly equalised through Jessica Francis Weir, whose strike from close range was tipped over the bar by Biggadike.

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Second Half

Dulwich were keen to end on a high, following the announcement in midweek that the match would be Ryan Dempsey’s final game in charge following five and a half years as the women’s first-team manager.

The hosts equalised in the 55th minute through Nat Taylor, who picked up the ball on the edge of the box and rifled a powerful effort into the top corner.

This gave Dulwich some momentum, with Rhea Gall nearly volleying in minutes later. Their pressure was rewarded in the 72nd minute when Iesha Swaby put the hosts in front for the first time. She received the ball from Martha Goddard on the right wing before hitting the ball into the roof of the net past Biggadike.

Dulwich extended their advantage in the 79th minute through Ceylon Hickman. Gall had initially hit the bar from a Lily Price corner before the ball eventually dropped to Hickman, who headed past Biggadike.

The Pirates were unable to find a way back into the game, ending the league campaign with one defeat and two points clear of second-placed Norwich City.

After the match, Bill said:

“The season has been phenomenal. To produce the levels that we’ve had week in, week out, away from home and at home. To be the highest scorers in the league and have the best goal difference – I can keep saying so much about this group.

“I’m incredibly proud and that’s what I spoke to them about at the end. We’ll have a nice couple of weeks now – probably just enjoying the memories of what we’ve created.

“The hard work from my side will probably start from next week with Pete – making sure that we get everything right again to make sure we can compete at tier three because we know how much of a step up that is.”

RBFC Women: Biggadike, Warren, Puddick, Evans (Meadows-Tuson 80’), Stovold, Hayes, Meola (Newman 78’), Gaylor (Wilson 68’), O’Brien (McLean 68’), Grant, Bensted.

Dulwich Hamlet 3 - 1 Real Bedford
27th April 2025
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: Champion Hill

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