Real Bedford Women Kick Off 2026 with Impressive Victory
By Louie Truman
The Pirates started the year with an impressive 5-1 away win against Cheltenham Town, who are fifth in the table. Leyla O’Brien, Issy Bryant, Scarlett Williams and Chloe Logie scored for the Pirates.
Real Bedford started the game well, Leyla O’Brien had a shot which went wide within the first minute, and then she went on to score the opener. O’Brien stepped up and placed a perfect free-kick into the top left. Just after the goal, the hosts took a shot, but Meale made an easy save.
Issy Bryant doubled Real Bedford’s lead in the 12th minute. It was a great attack as Issy got played through on goal and produced a clinical finish. The Pirates controlled the game well, holding a high amount of possession.
Throughout the first half, Real Bedford defended well, stopping any opportunities from Cheltenham. Just before half-time, Sophie Byrom came on to replace Leyla O’Brien, who went off injured.
During the three minutes of added time, Scarlett Williams found the back of the net. Lucy Wood took a free-kick which found Scarlett in the box, who scored her first goal for the Pirates. It was an excellent first-half display from the Pirates, who were 3-0 up at half-time.
Second Half
Cheltenham looked to make a better start to the second half, Tom Davies made two changes at half-time, and The Robins got one back. Casi Evans scored through a strike from 40 yards out.
The Pirates responded well to the goal, regaining control of possession, and Scarlett Williams scored her second of the game. Mehmet chipped the ball over the back line after a corner, and Williams was there to finish for a brace.
Just after the fourth goal, Charlie Bill made his second change of the game; Chloe Logie came on to replace Breon Grant. The Pirates continued to put Cheltenham under pressure.
Chloe Logie had an excellent impact off the bench and scored Real Bedford’s fifth goal. Bryant played Logie through, and she calmly added to the scoreline. The match finished 5-1; it was an impressive display from the Pirates and a great way to start the new year.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“It was almost a complete away performance, going away from home with such a quick turnaround from the new year, with only a few days and a couple sessions of work.
The fact that we could put in those levels. The most pleasing thing was that from minute one, I thought we were relentless.”
Next up for the Pirates is a home game against Lewes in the FA Women's National League South. The fixture takes place on Sunday, 25th January, with kick-off at 2pm. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold, Warren, Puddick, Rush (Hayes 84’), Wood (Fields-Davis 78’), Mehmet, Bryant, Grant (Logie 71’), O’Brien (Byrom 45+2’)
Unused subs: Meollo.
Cheltenham Town 1-5 Real Bedford
Sunday 4th January
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Location: Kayte Lane
