Pirates earn hard-fought point against league leaders Oxford United
Real Bedford Women produced an impressive performance on the road to secure a 2-2 draw against FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division leaders Oxford United.
Oxford United 2-2 Real Bedford Women
FAWNL Southern Premier
Real Bedford wasted little time making their mark on the contest. Sophie Byrom made a brilliant run into the penalty area before finding Puddick in space, allowing the defender to power the ball into the back of the net and give the Pirates an early advantage.
Oxford looked to respond immediately, but Erica Meale produced two important saves in quick succession to keep the hosts at bay. Puddick also made a crucial defensive clearance as the league leaders continued to apply pressure.
The Pirates looked dangerous going forward, with Amber Gaylor finding space on the edge of the box before seeing her effort saved at the near post. Kelci-Rose Bower also found the net, but her effort was ruled out for offside as Real Bedford looked to extend their lead.
Oxford eventually found an equaliser in the 18th minute, with Holly Manders converting from a dangerous free-kick to bring the hosts level.
The momentum shifted further in Oxford’s favour as they took the lead in the 25th minute through Casley. The Pirates were forced to defend resolutely, with Meale producing another excellent save to prevent the hosts from increasing their advantage. Oxford also struck the crossbar as they looked to make their pressure count.
Komani found the back of the net in first half stoppage time, smashing the ball home after the Oxford goalkeeper struggled to clear it, bringing the Pirates level at the break.
Second half
The Pirates continued to take the game to their opponents after the break, enjoying a strong spell of possession that left Oxford struggling to get out of their own half. Gaylor saw another effort deflected wide, while a free-kick from Dré Georgiou came close to finding Grace Garrad.
Real Bedford continued to push for a winner as the second half progressed. Ellie Head delivered a dangerous cross that flashed across the face of goal, narrowly missing a potential finishing touch, while Oxford remained a threat at the other end.
With the game finely balanced, the Pirates made a double substitution in the 84th minute, bringing on Zynia Delglyn and Melis Mehmet for Head and Gaylor. Molly Weaver later replaced Byrom as Real Bedford looked to find a late breakthrough.
Weaver made an immediate impact, producing a great run down the right wing before finding Mehmet inside the box, but her effort sailed over the crossbar.
Despite late pressure from both sides, neither team could find a decisive goal, and the contest finished level at 2-2.
The result represents a valuable point for Real Bedford against a side that had won all eight of its league matches before Wednesday evening.
After returning to league action following a 5-0 victory over Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers in the Women’s FA Cup, Real Bedford will take plenty of confidence from their performance against Oxford as they look to build momentum in the Southern Premier Division.
Lineup: Meale, McLean, Warren (C), Garrad, Puddick, Georgiou, Bowers, Gaylor, Komani, Byrom, Head.
Subs: Mehmet, Wood, Baker, Cunnison, Hind, Weaver, Delglyn.