Real Bedford Women Retain Beds County Cup
By Louie Truman
It was a huge day and a major achievement for the club as Real Bedford Women retained the County Cup with a 7-0 victory over a hard-working Real Bedford Reserves side. It was a fantastic occasion for the club, with both teams delivering performances to be proud of.
Within the first three minutes, Chloe Logie scored the opener, after a great ball into the box from Puddick. In the 10th minute, the reserves got the ball out of their own half as they looked to score the equaliser. In the 12th minute, goal scorer Logie went one on one with the reserve's keeper, but the goalkeeper came out and made a great save which prevented the Pirates from doubling their lead.
Just minutes later, the reserves made a goal line clearance that went out for a corner which was quickly followed by a shot on goal from Wood. The Pirates managed to score the second; Abbie Bensted received the ball on the edge of the box and finished her chance well. One minute later, Bensted had another excellent opportunity which hit the cross bar.
In the 34th minute, Abbie Bensted managed to get her brace; it was another long-range effort which found the back of the net. Just before half-time, the Reserves won their first corner of the match, but the Pirates went into the break 3-0 up.
Second Half
Just after half-time, the Pirates won a penalty, and Nicola Puddick scored from the rebound, after Logie’s penalty was saved well.
Abbie Bensted managed to score a hat-trick, she pounced on a mistake at the back and finished her chance well. In the 63rd minute, Charlie Bill made his first changes with Mehmet, Fields-Davis, Grant and Williams coming on to replace Bensted, Logie, Baker and Stovold.
Ten minutes later, the Reserves worked the ball into a promising attacking position and managed to get their first effort on target. Meale was forced into a save, but the play is quickly halted as the flag went up for offside. Lucy Wood went on to score the sixth; it was a great cross from Mehmet, and Lucy Wood managed to get on the end of it.
In quick succession, Wood found the back of net again; she got her brace with a rocket into the bottom corner. In stoppage time, Mehmet was in front of goal, but her shot went over.
The Pirates ran out 7-0 winners, and retained their County Cup, while the Reserves showed great effort throughout.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“I think personally, it’s a fantastic occasion for the club, playing the reserves and the showcase event against them. I thought we keep to our standards and levels for large parts, scoring seven goals and keeping a clean sheet.”
Next up for the Pirates, is a final league fixture, against Plymouth Arygle. Get your tickets here.
Lineup: Meale, Byrom, Stovold (Williams 63’), Warren, Puddick, Baker (Grant 63’), Rush (Lane 72’), Wood, Bensted (Mehmet 63’), Bryant, Logie (Fields-Davis 63’).
Real Bedford Women 7-0 Real Bedford Reserves
Date: Thursday 23rd April 2026
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
