PLYMOUTH TRIP ENDS IN DEFEAT
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford Women lost their fourth match this season, after a 3-0 away loss against Plymouth Argyle, who are currently second in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division.
Argyle started the game more positively, play down the left flank from Roisin Kivel ended in a chance for Una Lue to get an effort away on goal, but the forward couldn't connect cleanly. Just after this, Una Lue had another good chance, but goalkeeper Meale made a good save.
The Pirates did well to defend an Argyle corner, and Charlie Bill’s side won a throw-in deep into the Greens' half, but unfortunately, nothing came from it. In the 13th minute, Argyle had a free-kick in a dangerous position, and Ellie Noble hit it into the top corner, and it went off the bar and in, giving Argyle the lead. Just after the opener, Bryant had a free-kick, but it was an easy save for the Plymouth keeper.
Argyle had multiple chances to double their lead, Marie Hourihan’s side had a chance which was headed just wide, and Meale made a great save, just minutes after.
The Pirates were finding it difficult to get the ball out of their own half. In the 39th minute, Plymouth were given a penalty, and Ellie Noble managed to convert from the spot, which gave the hosts a 2-0 lead just before the break.
Second Half
Just after half-time, there was a pause in play due to an injury to a Plymouth player. After play had resumed, Charlie Bill’s side looked better, but still struggled to get the ball into the Plymouth box.
Charlie Bill made his first change in the 69th minute, with Leyla O’Brien replacing Sophie Byrom. Following this, Bryant narrowly missed a good opportunity as O’Brien put a good cross into the box.
The Greens scored their third, Una Lue scored on her debut, tapping home a cross from Olivia Francis. Una Lue almost scored her second in two minutes, but the Argyle forward couldn't hit the target from inside the area.
Real Bedford made a double change, Mellis Mehmet and Breton Grant were replaced by Faye Fields-Davis and Chloe Logie. The game finished 3-0 to Plymouth.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“It’s one of those games of football where we know how good Plymouth are, I think you identify when you are 11 games into a league that the top three are Bournemouth, Plymouth and Watford, they’re pushing for promotion.
We give a lot of respect to them today. They were superb, they used the ball really well, but I was proud of what we showed today.”
Next up for the Pirates is an away game against Cheltenham Town in the FA Women's National League South, which takes place on 4th January.
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold, Warren, Puddick, Rush, Bensted (Wood 75’), Mehmet (Logie 84’), Bryant, Grant (Fields-Davis 84’), Byrom (O’Brien 69’)
Unused subs: Meollo.
Plymouth Argyle 3-0 Real Bedford
Sunday 21st December 2025
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Location: Home Park
