O’Brien Strikes Late to Secure Dramatic Opening Day Win
By Will Murray
Real Bedford Women secured a dramatic victory on the opening day, beating AFC Wimbledon 2-1 thanks to a 93rd minute winner by Leyla O’Brien. Issy Bryant scored on her competitive debut for the Pirates in the first-half before Daisy McLachlan levelled for the hosts.
It was an entertaining start to the game, with both sides pushing forward. McLachlan, who was a constant threat for the hosts, had the first shot on target in the eighth minute, but her effort was easily saved by Erica Meale.
Six minutes later, the best chance of the game fell to Bryant. The number seven was played through on the right wing before firing straight at Rose Kite.
The Dons thought they had scored the opener in the 19th minute through Emily Donovan, but it was flagged for offside by the linesman.
Charlie Bill’s side controlled the game in the middle of the first-half, with chances falling to Lucy Wood, Amber Gaylor and Breon Grant.
The pressure from the Pirates finally told in the 30th minute when Bryant scored a deserved opener. Sofia Stovold played a perfectly weighted ball over the Wimbledon defence, finding Bryant, who smashed the ball emphatically past Kite into the top right corner.
Just before the break, the Pirates were pegged back by the dangerous McLachlan. Donovan found the number seven, who took a touch out of her feet and curled a right-footed effort past Meale from 20 yards.
Second Half
The goal before half-time gave Wimbledon a much-needed boost, and they came out quickly in the second half. Donovan had two big chances to put the hosts in the lead in the 55th and 60th minutes, respectively, but both efforts went inches wide.
Alisha Buckingham, who came on in the 74th minute, also came close, heading McLachlan’s cross just over the bar two minutes after her introduction.
Despite coming under pressure, the Pirates still carried a significant counter attacking threat. Leyla O’Brien came on for Wood at half-time and in the 88th minute saw her deflected effort well saved by Kite.
She wasn’t going to be denied twice, though. In the 93rd minute, a Milly Hayes through ball was not dealt with by the Wimbledon defence and O’Brien benefitted, calmly slotting past Kite to spark wild celebrations from the away support.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“Competitive football is back. Definitely back. If you could write a gameday one, then that would be it. A really tough game – every game away from home this season is going to be so tough.
We relish the challenge of stepping up to tier three and we’re ready to go next week.”
Next up for the Pirates is an FWNL Cup group stage clash against Cambridge United at Rowley Park on Wednesday 20th August.
You can also buy tickets for our first home game in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division match against Cheltenham Town on Sunday 24th August here.
Lineup: Meale, Warren, Stovold, Evans, Williams, Biggadike, Gaylor (Rush 62’), Bryant, Bensted (Hayes 78’), Wood (O’Brien 46’), Grant.
Unused subs: Smith, Logie, Tambula.
AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Real Bedford
Sunday 17th August 2025
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Location: Tooting & Mitcham Community Sports Hub
