Bedford's Winning Streak Continues with Commanding Win Over Dulwich Hamlet
Real Bedford secured a 3-0 home victory over Dulwich Hamlet, breaking the deadlock in the second half with a clinical display. Goals from Bensted, Gould, and Meola capped off an impressive performance that extended Bedford’s unbeaten run.
The first half saw both sides cautiously testing each other, with a slow start as they struggled to create clear opportunities.
The first real chance came in the 18th minute when Stovold played McLean through on goal, but a quick tackle denied her. Mitchell picked up the loose ball and launched a shot that was just tipped over the bar by Dulwich keeper Murray.
Shortly after, Mitchell found Bensted, who couldn’t capitalise as her shot was directly at Murray. Dulwich responded with a quick counter in the 30th minute, as Swaby played Goddard through, but Sansom made a comfortable save. Despite efforts on both ends, the teams went into half-time locked at 0-0 after a somewhat lacklustre first half.
Second Half
The second half saw an immediate shift in tempo. In the 49th minute, a misjudged pass from Murray landed directly with Bensted, who calmly slotted the ball into an open net, putting Bedford 1-0 up and energising the whole team.
Real Bedford began to dominate, and in the 75th minute, Gould, from the wing, aimed to send a cross into the box but surprised everyone with a shot that curved beautifully into the top corner, catching Murray off guard and doubling Bedford’s lead. Only two minutes later, Gould found Meola at the edge of the box, who lobbed the Dulwich defence and keeper, securing a third goal in style.
Late on, Gould nearly created a fourth as she drove down the wing and sent a perfect cross into the box. Although Mitchell missed the delivery, it fell unexpectedly to Bensted five yards out, who couldn’t quite get a proper shot off. In stoppage time, Bedford’s pressure continued as Hayes’ corner caused trouble for Dulwich. Despite multiple attempts from O’Leary, Wilson, and Warren, Murray pulled off a fine save to deny Bedford’s last effort, and Dulwich eventually cleared.
The final whistle saw Bedford claim a 3-0 victory after a supercharged second half, extending their unbeaten streak with a convincing home win
The Pirates are next at home on Sunday 15th December, facing London Bees in the league. Tickets for the match are available here.
RBFC Women: Sansom, Warren, Newman, Puddick, Biggadike, Stovold, McLean (O’Leary 73’), O’Brien (Gould 46’), Mitchell, Meola (Wilson 79’), Bensted (Hayes 87’).
Unused subs: Guy.
Real Bedford 3 - 0 Dulwich Hamlet
17th November, 2024
Kick-off: 2pm
Location: Ledger Stadium
