Real Bedford Women Suffer First League Defeat to Cheltenham Town
By Will Murray
Real Bedford lost 4-1 to Cheltenham Town in their first home game of the 2025/26 FAWNL Southern Premier Division campaign. Lucy Wood’s second-half strike gave the Pirates hope of a comeback, but ultimately, the visitors proved to be strong on the day.
Tom Davies’ side started positively, hitting the crossbar through Charlotte Salisbury-Williams after only two minutes. Rhianne Rush also shot just wide of the post in the fourth minute, as both sides looked fluid in attack.
The visitors were ahead in the 11th minute through Bella Hall. She chested the ball down before firing into the bottom right corner past Erica Meale.
Cheltenham’s lead was doubled only two minutes later. Hall’s through ball found Amelie Curtis, who tucked home emphatically to give the Pirates an uphill task to get back into the contest.
The Pirates got a foothold in the game midway through the second half, putting Cheltenham’s defence under significant pressure. In the 29th minute, Breon Grant was denied by a smart low stop by Ella Stowell.
Four minutes later, Grant had another opportunity, firing inches wide of the left post this time.
Second Half
After the break, Real Bedford continued to threaten, creating the first chance of the half through Issy Bryant. Her shot was straight at Stowell, though, and the visitors continued to defend resolutely.
Cheltenham’s lead became three in the 58th minute through Libby Bell. Her lofted effort from outside the box flew past Meale to bring an end to the Pirates’ momentum.
Charlie Bill made a double change in the 65th minute, bringing on Wood and Abbie Bensted. Both players made an instant impact, with Wood getting on the scoresheet in the 72nd minute. She received the ball on the left wing before cutting in and firing brilliantly past Stowell.
Real Bedford pushed forward after Wood’s strike, creating opportunities through Sophie Byrom, Grant and Bensted. Byrom and Bensted dragged their efforts wide, while an impressive save by Stowell in the 78th minute denied Grant.
Ultimately, the Pirates were unable to find a way through and the visitors put the game to bed in the 87th minute. Louise Guymira made a smart turn before calmly slotting past Meale to give Cheltenham their first points of the season.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“There were elements of good in the performance. I thought in the first-half, we gave them a little bit too much respect and we didn’t get the basics right.
The reaction in the second half was good – we were on the front foot and pushing. This is what tier three is about, you’re going to have games week in, week out where any small one, two percent can mean you’re chasing the game and it becomes a lot more difficult.”
Next up for the Pirates is an away game against Lewes FC on Sunday 31st August.
Lineup: Meale, Byrom, Stovold, Tambula (Hayes 56’), Williams, Biggadike (Bensted 65’), Rush, O’Brien (Wood 65’), Gaylor, Bryant (Pullen 85’), Grant (Logie 85’).
Real Bedford 1-4 Cheltenham Town
Sunday 25th August 2025
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
