Real Bedford’s Women laid down a marker in the world of non-league football on Wednesday night as they shocked MK Dons of step three in the Determining Round of the Women’s National League Cup at the Ledger Stadium.
Second half goals from Laura Mitchell, Hannah Warren and a stunning third from in-form, Chiara Meola secured Real’s passage through to the next round of the League Cup.
When the draw was made for the opening round of the FA Women’s National League Cup, pitting Real against the Dons, Real Bedford had already attracted multiple names from their opponents after a mass exodus from Milton Keynes in the Summer.
The fact that manager, Charlie Bill had also switched to the Ledger Stadium added more spice to the fixture but he will be left in a more than satisfactory mood as Real came out 3-0 winners.
The first half was fairly even, if a bit predictably attritional, but Charlie Bill’s team came alive in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals.
It was two former Dons players who opened the game up; Laura Mitchell bringing down a cross to fire home before Hannah Warren was on the end of a cross from the right wing to stretch home and double the Real lead.
The goal of the game was saved for last though as a wonderful team move was completed by former Watford midfielder, Chiara Meola completed a win that will confirm that Charlie Bill, and plenty of players, made the right switch in the summer.
“We knew what the game would create, we knew it was going to be a bit of a war out there and it was going to feel like a cup final for them after what happened”, said manager, Charlie Bill after the game.
“We managed the first 45 minutes really well, we probably didn’t play our best football but our quality and physicality showed in the second half.
“You don’t score many better team goals than that third and we really put a good slog in there, and beating a team from step three is really pleasing”.
The draw for the next round takes place after a host of other fixtures take place on Thursday evening (29 August) with Real now through to the main competition, while MK Dons must settle for a place in the Plate.
They are back in league action this Sunday (1 September) as they look to continue their perfect start to the Women’s National League Division One South East campaign at Queens Park Rangers.
