Late Bryant and O’Brien Goals Make it Six Wins in a Row
By Will Murray
Late goals from Issy Bryant and Leyla O’Brien made it six wins in a row in all competitions for Real Bedford Women. The Pirates beat Exeter City 2-0 at the Ledger Stadium, moving them up to third in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division.
Charlie Bill’s side started confidently, with Amber Gaylor and Abbie Bensted both having chances in the first 15 minutes.
The best chance of the game came in the 23rd minute when a Bryant cross was brilliantly flicked on by Chloe Logie, but her header dropped onto the post and was eventually cleared by the Grecians’ defence.
Exeter were a big threat on the counter attack and created their best opportunity of the half in the 34th minute. Amber Pollock’s impressive run saw her find Maddie Durrant in the box, who was unable to divert her effort goalwards from close range.
Just before the break, Nina Meollo made a vital low save to deny Ellie Sara and keep the teams level.
Second Half
The Filipino international was in inspired form throughout the afternoon, making another brilliant save to deny Sara in the 53rd minute.
Exeter kept coming forward, creating a number of half-chances in search of the opener. The Pirates carried a threat of their own, though, and in the 75th minute were ahead through Bryant.
A cross from the right wing was not dealt with by the visitors’ defence, leaving space for Bryant at the backpost to fire past Abbi Bond.
Abbie Britton’s side pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages, leaving space for O’Brien to charge forward in the 96th minute after the ball was cleared from a corner.
The winger, who was introduced in the 82nd minute, kept her cool and eventually slid a right-footed shot past Bond into the bottom right corner to put the game beyond the visitors and secure a crucial three points for the Pirates.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“It was a game that pushed us right to the edge. A really tough game - fair play to Exeter - they really tested us today. In spells, we showed control but not enough in the first-half.
It’s extremely important to keep clean sheets to win games of football. We’re really pleased.”
Next up for the Pirates is a home game in the FAWNL Cup first round against Derby County on Sunday 19th October.
Lineup: Meollo, Williams, Stovold, Evans, Byrom (Puddick 68’), Gaylor, Bensted (Hayes 82’), Rush, Bryant, Grant (O’Brien 82’), Logie.
Unused subs: Herd, Meale.
Real Bedford 2-0 Exeter City
Sunday 12th October 2025
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
