Real Bedford Women narrowly miss out on a point against Watford
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford Women fell to a 2-1 defeat against league leaders Watford. Breon Grant’s equaliser briefly brought the sides level, but it wasn’t enough to secure a point.
Real Bedford started the game well, Lane managed to get in front of goal, but she didn’t have anyone to pass too. Watford had their first shot on target, which Meale saved.
During the early stages of the game, the Pirates put pressure on Watford; Grant made a great run which won the Pirates a corner. From the corner, Mehmet had a shot which went over the crossbar.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 22nd minute; Maddie Perry got past her marker and played it through for Wilson, who slotted it in at the near post. Just moments later, Breon Grant found the equaliser.
Grant put pressure on the keeper who made a mistake which led to Grant scoring a tap in. The Pirates went on to dominate possession; goal scorer Grant had a chance on the outside of the box which was defended well. It finished level at the break.
Second Half
Charlie Bill’s side started the second half well; Bryant had a shot which went just wide, and Bensted had a free kick which was saved. In the 66th minute, Charlie Bill made his first changes; Marcie O’Meara and Lucy Wood came on to replace Issy Bryant and Abbie Bensted.
In search for the winner, Real Bedford had a couple of good chances; Rush had a shot from the edge of the box which forced a big save from the Watford keeper and Lane made a great run and played on Grant who couldn’t finish the chance.
The Pirates continued to create opportunities in the final third, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. The visitors scored the winner in the 83rd minute, it was a perfect ball to Poppy Wilson who made no mistake. Watford went on to control the game as it ended 2-1.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“I just said to the group, I was extremely proud of what they showed tonight, from the footage we’ve watched I believe Watford are the best side in the league and they could potentially go on to win it. We felt that we were good when we played them away and I thought we was even better tonight.”
Next up, the Pirates face Exeter City on Sunday 22nd March.
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold, Warren, Puddick, Rush, Bryant (O’Meara 66’), Mehmet, Bensted (Wood 66’), Grant (Byrom 77’), Lane.
Unused Subs: Cunnison, Baker
Real Bedford 1-2 Watford
Friday 13th March 2026
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: The Eyrie
