Pirates denied a way back after Wimbledon double
Real Bedford Women suffered a 2-0 defeat at AFC Wimbledon as two goals shortly after half-time proved decisive, despite the Pirates’ efforts to find a route back into the game.
AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Real Bedford Women
FAWNL Southern Premier
The opening half saw Real Bedford look to threaten through the wide areas. Sophie McLean advanced down the wing and attempted to find Zyn Delglyn, but ran out of space as the Pirates searched for an opening.
Delglyn also applied pressure to the Wimbledon goalkeeper as she struggled to control the ball in front of goal, while Blue Bartlett-Antwi picked out Lily Whitelock down the flank, only for the hosts to defend the move.
Real Bedford matched that attacking intent with important defensive work. A clearing header denied Wimbledon in the 31st minute, before Daisy Hind made a well-timed tackle five minutes later to halt another opportunity near goal.
The Pirates had a chance to break the deadlock shortly before the interval. Delglyn collected possession and drove through the middle, spotting the goalkeeper outside her area, but sent her effort over the bar.
Delglyn then won possession and released Byrom down the right, although a Wimbledon defender stopped the run. Neither side found a breakthrough before the half-time whistle.
Second half
The contest changed quickly after the restart. Ellie Dorey opened the scoring for Wimbledon, and the hosts added a second in the 50th minute to leave Real Bedford with a two-goal deficit.
The Pirates sought an immediate response. A Georgiou delivery into the box found Delglyn in the 53rd minute, but her effort was saved.
Bill introduced Lucy Wood, Molly Weaver, Ellie Head and Amber Gayler on the hour as they looked to change the game. Meale then produced an excellent fingertip save to deny a shot towards the bottom corner.
At the other end, Head came close to reducing the deficit in the 64th minute, only for her effort to be cleared off the line. Wood subsequently fired over as the Pirates continued searching for a breakthrough.
Meale made another save in the 71st minute, while Real Bedford kept working to create chances. Substitute Anele Komani showed neat skill before finding Gaylor inside the area, who set up Wood for a shot that was blocked.
Gaylor then sent a free-kick just wide in the 88th minute. The Pirates continued pushing until the closing stages, but were unable to find the goal their response needed as Wimbledon secured the points.
The Pirates will be back in action on Sunday 20th with a home fixture against Portsmouth. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: Meale, Hind, Cunnison, Bartlett-Antwi, Puddick, Georgiou, Mehmet, McLean, Byrom, Whitelock, Delglyn.
Subs: Warren, Komani, Head, Wood, Baker, Weaver, Gaylor.