Real Bedford Women Fall to Fulham
The Pirates battled hard but ultimately fell to a 4-1 defeat against Fulham in their first home fixture of the 2026/27 season.
Unfortunately for the Pirates, Fulham found the back of the net in the first minute. Sophie Gillies was the goal scorer, tapping it in from a close range. Moments later, Fulham found their second, with Sophie Gillies applying the perfect touch to tap home her second.
In the 11th minute, Real Bedford won a corner. Puddick swung the ball into the box, and Blue Bartlett-Antwi got her head to it, but her effort bounced onto the top of the net.
As the Pirates searched for a goal, Wood fired a powerful effort from distance, forcing the Fulham goalkeeper into a save. Despite the effort from Wood, Fulham continued to control the majority of the possession, and the Cottagers had a shot on goal, but Warren made a good clearance.
As the first half continued, Real Bedford managed to defend well, and Byrom delivered a cross into the box, which Wood met with a header. Mehmet followed up, but her effort went wide. The Pirates went into the first half 2-0 down.
Second half
Melis Mehmet made an instant impact in the second-half, getting her name on the score sheet. A brilliant attack saw Byrom fire the ball into the box, allowing Mehmet to tap her effort through the goalkeeper’s legs, giving the Pirates hope. Fulham came close to scoring their third, hitting the crossbar.
In search for the equaliser, the Pirates pushed forward as the ball fell to Mehmet, who tried her luck from distance but sent her effort over the bar. Moments later, Drè Gerogiou sent a free-kick into the box, where Wood got a foot to it, but her effort flew over the bar.
In the 87th minute, Stanbury produced an outstanding save to deny Fulham, keeping out an effort that looked destined for the top-left corner.
Two minutes later, the visitors scored their third. During stoppage time, Oldd scored her second. A perfect flick with the outside of her boot beat Stanbury and found the net. The score ended 4-1 to the visitors, despite the Pirates fighting hard throughout.
Next up for the Pirates is a home fixture against Northampton Town in the FAWNL League Cup Group stage on Wednesday the 26th of August. Get your tickets here.