Bedford Progress to League Cup Last 16 After Late Win against Gwalia
Real Bedford traveled to Newport, Wales, for their League Cup first-round clash against Gwalia United. After beating MK Dons in the previous round, Bedford were looking to continue their cup run and secure a spot in the last 16.
The opening 10 minutes saw both teams cautiously probing for weaknesses, with neither creating clear chances. Real Bedford's first big opportunity came when Chiara Meola unleashed a powerful shot that clipped the top of the crossbar.
Nicola Puddick stood out early on, causing havoc down the left wing and keeping Gwalia’s defence on edge. Despite her relentless pressure, no breakthrough came for either side in the opening stages.
Gwalia United began to find gaps in Bedford’s defence, testing debutant goalkeeper Chloe Sansom with a couple of one-on-one chances. However, Sansom remained composed, denying any early goals.
Bedford’s closest moment arrived in the 35th minute when Abbie Bensted fired a fierce strike that again rattled the crossbar. Shortly after, Puddick was brought down near the left corner of the box, earning Real Bedford a promising free kick. Captain Gemma Biggadike stepped up and delivered a superb strike, but once more, the crossbar came to Gwalia's rescue as the ball slammed off the woodwork.
Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Gwalia’s pressure finally paid off. A quick breakaway saw Jess Evans bring down Maisie Miller in the penalty area. Cori Williams-Mills confidently converted the resulting penalty, sending Sansom the wrong way and giving Gwalia a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Second Half
Determined to turn the game around, Real Bedford came out for the second half with renewed intensity. Puddick continued to apply pressure down the left but in the 60th minute, she was sent to the sin bin for dissent, sidelining her for 10 crucial minutes.
Despite her absence, Real Bedford held firm, keeping Gwalia at bay. But the momentum shifted in Bedford's favour with her return to the pitch and Emily Wilson coming on for Amy McLean. The substitution brought fresh energy, and just four minutes later, Bedford found the equaliser. After a slick exchange of passes between Meola and Wilson, Wilson delivered a perfect cross to Puddick, who smashed it into the net to level the score at 1-1.
With the game tied, Bedford sensed the opportunity for a winner and continued to press forward. A late change in the 85th minute saw Milly Hayes replace Tricia Gould, and the substitution proved decisive. In the 88th minute, Puddick was brought down on the left, earning a free kick in a dangerous position. Hayes stepped up and floated a perfect cross into the box, where Sofia Stovold was waiting to tap it past Gwalia keeper Yasmin Davies, putting Bedford ahead 2-1.
There was little time for Gwalia to respond and Real Bedford progressed into the last 16, taking their second tier 3 scalp of the tournament.
The Pirates are next at home on Sunday 27th October, facing Chesham in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC Women: Sansom, Warren, Puddick, Biggadike, Evans, Stovold, Newman, McLean (Wilson 68’), Gould (Hayes 85’), Meola (McDonnell 96’), Bensted.
Unused Subs: Davies.
Gwalia United 1 - 2 Real Bedford
29th September, 2024
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: Gwalia Newport Stadium
