Real Bedford Women suffer defeat to AFC Bournemouth after battling performance
By Louie Truman
Following a 6-0 home win against Billericay Town, Real Bedford fell to Bournemouth 4-1. Charlie Bill’s side had positive spells, but they were unable to convert crucial opportunities.
Real Bedford started the game well, Grant passed to Bryant on the outside of the box who had a shot, but the keeper saved well. The chance led to a corner, Bryant got her head on the ball, but it went wide.
The Pirates continued to add pressure, Grant made a great run to the edge of the Bournemouth box, but the Cherries defended well. Despite, Real Bedford having a positive start to the game, the Visitors found two goals in two minutes.
Abby Jones tapped home from close range, finishing off a superb team move inside the six-yard box. Sophie Quirk got their second, she finished her chance well from close range.
Breon Grant managed to get one back for Real Bedford; she did well to put pressure on the keeper and tapped it into an empty net. Following the goal, Bournemouth created a couple of high-quality chances which the Pirates defended well. After a minute of added time, the first half finished 2-1 to the Cherries.
Second Half
Real Bedford came out strongly after the break, dominating possession and creating a couple of opportunities in the box. Bensted took a corner, which Warren got her head on but the keeper saved it.
The Pirates had another corner, Bryant made contact but it went wide. In the 66th minute, Bournemouth managed to get a third, the goalscorer was Georgia Wilson. Charlie Bill’s side made his first change of the game, Lucy Wood came onto replace Abbie Bensted.
The Cherries had a couple more good chances, they had a free kick which went into the box, but Meale made a good save. The visitors managed to get a fourth. The Pirates continued to try and find a goal, but it finished 4-1 to Bournemouth.
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold, Warren, Puddick, Rush, Bryant, Mehmet (O’Meara 77’), Bensted (Wood 71’), Grant, Lane
Unused Subs: Baker
Real Bedford 1-4 AFC Bournemouth
Sunday 1st March
Kick-off: 5pm
Venue: The Eyrie
