Pirates’ bright spells go unrewarded against Portsmouth
Real Bedford Women fell to a 2-0 defeat against Portsmouth at The Ledger Stadium, with two second-half goals deciding a competitive encounter.
Real Bedford Women 0-2 Portsmouth
FAWNL Southern Premier
Attendance: 202
Portsmouth threatened early, with Meale claiming a ball towards Barratt at the back post before Blue Bartlett-Antwi made an important defensive intervention to deny the visitors a shooting opportunity. Meale was called upon again to turn away an effort from Mallon.
Real Bedford began to find openings, with Whitelock looking to release Ellie Head before a Portsmouth defender intercepted. Anele Komani, making her first start for the Pirates, then advanced down the right and tried to pick out Whitelock in front of goal, but the visitors cleared.
A promising opportunity arrived in the 26th minute when Head capitalised on a mistake inside the Portsmouth box. Her effort was directed at Cull, who gathered to keep the scores level.
Whitelock continued to carry a threat down the left, combining with Amber Gaylor before later cutting forward and testing Cull herself. Portsmouth also had chances, with Beattie sending an effort over and Roberts firing narrowly wide after a flick-on from Mallon.
Sophie Byrom tested Cull from distance towards the end of the half, but neither side could find the opening goal before the interval.
Second half
The Pirates returned with purpose, enjoying a strong spell of possession in the opening minutes of the second half. Whitelock worked her way past a defender inside the box to win a corner as Real Bedford looked to turn that spell into an advantage.
Meale then pushed a Portsmouth effort over the bar, before Whitelock tried to combine with Komani at the other end, only for Cull to come out and collect.
Real Bedford continued to press, with Whitelock intercepting a clearance from the visiting goalkeeper, but Portsmouth recovered possession. Meale subsequently produced a double save to deny Beattie and Mallon, keeping the game goalless as the visitors increased the pressure.
The breakthrough came shortly afterwards, with Mallon arriving at the back post to turn the ball home and give Portsmouth the lead.
Melis Mehmet replaced Gaylor as Real Bedford sought a response. Whitelock found the substitute inside the box in the 72nd minute, but Portsmouth cleared before she could capitalise. Zyn Delglyn then came on for Ellie Head as the Pirates continued their search for an equaliser.
Byrom made a strong run down the right in the closing stages but was halted, and Portsmouth soon extended their advantage. Following a spell of possession around the edge of the Pirate box, Barratt opened her body and fired into the far side of the net.
Molly Weaver replaced Byrom late on, and Mehmet had one final opportunity when she found herself one-on-one with Cull. The Portsmouth goalkeeper reached the ball first to clear, ensuring the Pirates were unable to find a late consolation.
A frustrating afternoon for Real Bedford, whose promising attacking spells went unrewarded as Portsmouth’s second-half finishing settled the contest.
The Pirates will be back at home on Sunday 27th with a League Cup fixture against Tottenham Hotspur PGA. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: Meale, McLean, Warren (C), Bartlett-Antwi, Puddick, Georgiou, Gaylor, Komani, Byrom, Whitelock, Head.
Subs: Mehmet, Hind, Delglyn, Weaver.