Real Bedford Ladies Push Past Watford to Reach Cup Semi-Final
The Pirates hit double figures at McMullen Park, beating Watford Development 11-2 on Sunday to reach the League Cup Semi-Final.
Despite being in the league below, Watford Development had boasted an undefeated season heading into the clash with The Pirates, including wins against sides in the league above during their cup run.
And it was the visitors who would chalk up the first goal. After a delayed start to the game due to a kit confusion on the pitch, Watford struck immediately, curling the ball into the back of Sarah Hudson’s net straight from a corner.
The lead only lasted momentarily as Amber Smith continued her rich form in the assists category, floating an inch-perfect ball over to Cecsa Partridge, who tapped it home for her first goal of the afternoon.
Partridge found the back of the net again straight from the restart. This time, Erin Price produced a through ball to the striker, who took a touch and smashed it past the keeper, who was rooted to the spot.
Fifteen minutes later, The Pirates extended their lead. Lisa Milliken, this time off a corner, produced a wonderful delivery over to Gemma Croucher, who managed to head the ball into the back of the net to continue her hot form in front of goal.
Croucher picked up her third brace in as many games soon after, with another excellent delivery from Amber Smith being struck home by Croucher just before the halftime whistle.
Second Half
Real Bedford were in complete control of the fixture heading into the second half. Tash Fensome returned from injury to start the period, providing further headaches for the visiting defenders.
Her first contribution early in the half was on the scoresheet, bagging her 20th goal of the season in fine fashion. A great floated pass from debutant Georgie Giddings found Tash Fensome 30 yards out. The striker then smashed the ball on the half-volley over the keeper and into the back of the net, marking her return to the team in an audacious manner.
After scoring the first of the half, Fensome created the next. Whilst skipping past defenders, Fensome found her way into the area and cut the ball back to Partridge, who got enough on the ball to knock it home for her hat-trick.
Watford then scored a well-worked consolation goal, with a floated cross tapped home at the back post on the counterattack for the visitors.
Partridge’s replacement was quickly involved in the action, as Neve Mayes bagged a goal seconds after entering the pitch. A recycled corner attempt from Lisa Milliken through Georgie Giddings allowed Mayes to get on the end of the cross, controlling the ball well and striking it into the top corner on the half volley from 5 yards out.
Fensome then bagged a brace, slotting the ball past the keeper on a tight angle to extend the deficit to 6 goals with 20 minutes remaining. She then completed her hat-trick moments later with another well-timed finish. Amber Smith provided the cross for her to head home.
Neve Mayes then got her second goal with minutes left on the clock before Fensome rounded off a classic performance after picking up off a deflection from the keeper to smash home into a relatively vacant net.
The Pirates now face Needham Market in the league away from home on Sunday, with the prospect of either Luton or St Albans in the next round of the League Cup scheduled to be played in March.
Real Bedford 11 - 2 Watford Development
28th January, 2024
Kick-off: 1:30pm
Location: McMullen Park
