Real Bedford Women secure a valuable point in final away game
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford conceded late to settle for a 2-2 draw with Oxford United on their final away day of the 2025/26 season, despite Melis Mehmet continuing her fine form with a brace.
It was a balanced start to the fixture, both sides looked to create opportunities in front of goal, and Oxford won their first corner which was well defended by Stovold; Meale also had to make an important save from another Oxford corner. In the 16th minute, Byrom crossed to Mehmet who looked to shoot at goal, but it went out for a goal kick.
The Pirates had a spell where they had to defend well, due to Oxford dominating possession. Meale had to make another important save as Oxford had a chance on goal, and Warren managed to win a free kick on the outside of the box.
Melis Mehmet managed to open the scoring; Bensted had a shot, but her shot was blocked, and Mehmet gathered the loose ball to find the back of the net. Just before half-time, Bensted forced the Oxford United keeper into a great save, and Meale kept the Pirates lead as she made a fingertip save. The first half ended 1-0 to the Pirates.
Second Half
Just after half-time, Oxford found the equaliser; Jenna Legg threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Manders, who made no mistake and buried it past the keeper. After the equaliser, the U’s went on to gain some momentum, which forced Meale into another important save.
In the 61st minute, Charlie Bill made his first change with Issy Bryant coming on to replace Breon Grant. Five minutes later, Melis Mehmet scored her second of the match; she found herself in the perfect position to take a shot which found the bottom left corner.
The Pirates went on to nearly find the third, but Bryant couldn't get on the end of a cross from Byrom. However, the hosts managed to score the equaliser in the 95th minute. Holly Manders was the goal scorer. The match ended 2-2; it was a valuable point on the road for the Pirates.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“Another extremely important point on the road against a strong Oxford side. It’s naturally disappointing to concede a last minute equaliser, but there’s plenty to be proud of. Taking four points from our last two incredibly tough away games shows the character of this group.”
Next up for Real Bedford is a Beds County Cup final on Thursday 23rd April.
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold, Warren, Puddick, Mehmet (O’Meara 74’), Rush, Wood, Bensted (Fields-Davis 91’), Grant (Bryant 61’), Byrom (Logie 85’).
Unused subs: Cunnison.
Oxford 2-2 Real Bedford
Date: Sunday 19th April 2026
Venue: The M-Group Stadium
Kick-off: 1pm
