Real Bedford Women Exit FA Cup
By Will Murray
Real Bedford Women exited the first round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, losing 4-1 to Peterborough United at PIMS Park. Amber Gaylor’s free-kick levelled the tie just before the break, but Posh scored three second half goals to book their place in the next round.
It was a cagey start to the game, with the first real chance dropping to Issy Bryant, whose right-footed strike was well saved after 16 minutes.
Nine minutes later, Sofia Stovold rose highest to meet an Abbie Bensted corner, but her header missed the target.
In the 41st minute, Posh were in front through Jess Rousseau. The number seven received the ball 20 yards out and fired a low right-footed strike past Erica Meale to put the hosts ahead.
It didn’t take the Pirates long to respond, though. In the 45th minute, a Gaylor free-kick struck the right post and narrowly crossed the line to bring the sides level at half-time.
Second Half
Four minutes after the break, Posh were ahead again with Rousseau scoring her second of the afternoon. She was played through before calmly slotting past Meale with her right-foot.
The hosts came close to extending their advantage just after the hour mark when Kira Rai was unable to direct a Niamh Reynolds cross goalwards from close range.
In the 73rd minute, Reynolds then hit the inside of the post with her left foot after receiving the ball from Rousseau.
Posh were not to be denied a third for much longer, though, as a cross was not dealt with by the Pirates’ defence – eventually falling to Rousseau, who completed her hat-trick.
In the 81st minute Niamh Connor powerfully headed home a Lauren Wilshaw corner to put the game beyond Real Bedford.
The Pirates had a late flurry of chances, with Sophie Byrom and Leyla O’Brien both going close. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough, though, and Charlie Bill’s side exited the competition at the first hurdle.
Next up for the Pirates is an away game in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division against top-of-the-table Watford on Wednesday 29th October.
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold, Evans, Puddick (Skyers 65’), Gaylor (O’Brien 45+2), Bensted (Baker 90+3), Hayes, Bryant, Grant (Herd 90+3), Logie (Byrom 65’).
Peterborough United 4-1 Real Bedford
Sunday 26th October 2025
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Location: PIMS Park
