The Pirates wrap up their first season at Tier 3
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford finished the season in a respectable 6th place, capping off an excellent first campaign at Tier 3 with plenty to build on for next year. The Pirates rounded off the season with a 4-1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle.
Both sides had a positive start to the fixture, looking to create opportunities. In the 12th minute, the visitors came close, however Stovold managed to clear the ball off the line. Just one minute later, Bryant tried to control the ball outside the box, but the goalkeeper rushed out and denied her a clear chance on goal.
Argyle went on to create a couple of good chances; Meale made her first save of the game, and Rush defended well to prevent Plymouth from opening the scoring.
Issy Bryant managed to score the first, a corner from the Pirates was not dealt with by Plymouth, and Bryant was there to score the opener. Just moments later, Bryant went close to scoring her second; a mistake from the Plymouth keeper led to Bryant nearly getting her foot to the ball.
Just before half-time, Grant made a great run and crossed the ball to Bryant, who was positioned inside the box. However, the opportunity was quickly defended. The Pirates went into the break 1-0 up.
Second Half
Shortly after half-time, Plymouth found the equaliser; Dalton found the back of the net from an Ellie Noble cross after excellent play on the right from Olivia Francis. Moments after the equaliser, Plymouth found their second which gave them the lead. Soon after the restart, Olivia Francis struck from inside the box to make it 2-1.
In the 63rd minute, Charlie Bill made his first change with Izzy Lane coming on to replace Breon Grant. In search for the equaliser, Real Bedford looked to create opportunities. Lane and Bensted tried to combine to create a chance and Bryant retrieved the ball and spotted Wood in space, but the pass was too heavy to control.
However, the Greens managed to score their third; Teisar finished from the left side of the Bedford 18-yard box. In stoppage time, Argyle went on to score their fourth; it was an excellent finish from Tamara Wilcock. The match ended 4-1 to Plymouth.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“I just spoke to them at the end, it just felt like it was 45 minutes too many. They’ve given a lot this season, I think we spoke at the start, I think Plymouth haven’t played a game since the fifth of April, so we’ve had three games since.”
It proved to be a strong campaign for Real Bedford, laying a solid foundation as they aim to push even further next season.
Thank you for your support this season. Up The Pirates!
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold (Cunnison 83’), Warren, Puddick (Byrom 75’), Mehmet (O’Meara 75’), Rush, Wood (Logie 83’), Bensted, Bryant, Grant (Lane 63’).
Unused Subs: Fields-Davis, Baker.
Real Bedford 1-4 Plymouth
Date: Sunday 26th April 2026
Kick-Off: 2pm
Venue: Ledger Stadium
