Peter McCormack’s heavy involvement in Bedford’s football scene continues to pay dividends, with Real Bedford Ladies FC recording a 4-1 victory over league favourites Stevenage Women in front of 211 fans.
Newly appointed manager Dean Perrett’s summer recruitments featured heavily in a much-changed team from last season, and the team used this first match to send a message to everyone else in the league. However, Stevenage got off to a better start controlling possession in the opening 15 minutes. The away side spread the ball around the pitch, controlling the midfield while launching attacks into the box, but despite their dominance, they failed to translate possession into clear-cut chances.
Against the run of play, Real Bedford found the breakthrough. Player of the match, Amy Reed, burst down the right, whipping in a menacing cross that resulted in Stevenage conceding a handball penalty. Gemma Croucher confidently stepped up and slotted the ball into the top left corner, giving Bedford the lead.
The goal changed the game’s momentum, and while Stevenage continued to push for a goal, the home side increasingly found opportunities of their own, and both teams squandered opportunities. Stevenage’s striker missed a straightforward chance from close range, blasting over the bar, which was followed by two superb saves from The Pirates’ goalkeeper, Sarah Hudson.
As halftime approached, Real Bedford nearly extended their lead. Tasha Fensome skipped through the Stevenage defence and rounded the keeper before squaring to Cesca Partridge, who shot wide with the goal gaping.
The Pirates were temporarily reduced to 10 players just before the halftime break as Fensome was given a sin bin yellow card for dissent. Bedford faced the challenge of playing with one player down in the opening minutes of the second half. The reduced side put up a staunch defence, stymying Stevenage’s attempts to capitalise.
Returning from her caution with a renewed spirit, Fensome was a constant threat to the Stevenage defence for the rest of the half and quickly changed the game, drawing a second penalty decision from the ref.
Breaking down the right, she cut into the box, rounded the keeper and shot at goal, only to be kept from hitting the back of the net by the hand of the Stevenage defender. The away side was reduced to 10 players before Croucher again converted from the spot, doubling Bedford’s lead.
With the extra player, Real Bedford dominated the rest of the game. Fensome added a third with a blistering shot from 15 yards out. The party continued as substitute Neve Mayes marked her league debut with a goal, showing strength to grab possession in the box before firing home.
Stevenage pulled one back late in the game with a well-directed header finding its way in at the far post and nearly added another, if not for a timely goal-line clearance from Kaylen Gerkey.
The red card undoubtedly impacted the game, shifting the balance in Bedford’s favour. Nevertheless, Stevenage showcased their potential, and they will certainly be a side to watch this season.
Clearly elated, Real Bedford Chairman Peter McCormack remarked, “I set Dean Perrett the goal of challenging for the league, and we couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. This was a stunning result for our new-look ladies’ team featuring many players who have only been playing together for a few weeks.
Manager, Perrett said: “I’m proud of the players’ performance today. They have done exactly what I’ve asked of them over these last few weeks and today’s performance was a reward for all the unseen hard work. It’s a long season, but this result puts us in good stead for it.
