Potential Back to Back Promotions: Real Bedford Women

Photography by Tom Phillips

Real Bedford Women: Back-to-Back promotions?

Last season was a dream for Real Bedford Women as they finished top of the Eastern Region Women’s Football League with a total of 55 points. This impressive record saw them finish the league campaign with a total of 18 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats. After a promotion in a highly competitive South East Division One, anyone would have been forgiven for thinking that Real Bedford might struggle…

This could not be further from the truth however, as Real Bedford are currently sitting top of the league one point clear from second place Chatham Town Women. They currently boast an unbeaten league record with 8 wins and 5 draws so far in 24/25.

Standout Players and Key Contributions

The club’s top goalscorer this season has been Abbie Bensted, a former Oxford United Women and Tottenham Hotspur Women’s player. She has scored an incredible 15 goals in 16 appearances so far this season and is in contention for the league golden boot.

Another stand out player for the club has been their club captain Gemma Biggadike - previously of MK Dons FC Women and Watford FC Women. The tricky midfielder has been awarded opposition player of the match a grand total of 5 times for her dominant performances.

Key Results so far

Real Bedford have shown their goal scoring prowess so far this season and have recorded some massive scores such as their 12-2 league win against Chesham United FC Women and their 7-1 victory against London Seaward FC.

They have also shown their mettle playing their fellow promotion rivals by recording two solid draws against 2nd placed Chatham Town. As well as that, Real Bedford managed to snatch a 1-0 win against 4th place Actonians LFC.

FAWNL Cup Run:

Despite a disappointing FA Cup run which saw Real Bedford bow out in the 3rd round qualifier of the Women’s FA Cup to Cambridge United Women, they have had more success in other competitions.

For example, they have had some excellent results in the FAWNL cup and managed to reach the quarterfinals of this competition. Their run included a resounding 5-1 victory against Moneyfields FC Women and a 3-0 win against MK Dons. In the quarter-finals, they were unfortunately beaten however by defending champions Hashtag United FC Women.

Big signings

One of the biggest signings this season has been their top goalscorer Abbie Bensted as her goals have been crucial in propelling Real Bedford to the top of the South East Division One.

As well as that, Real Bedford have sent out a message to the rest of the division, through their winter signing of Breon Grant from Billericay Town Women. The skillful winger has also previously played for Chatham Town and will likely add more attacking flair to Real Bedford’s attacking line.

Upcoming Fixtures: Can They Push Forwards?

With 9 league games remaining this season, Real Bedford need to continue their tremendous form if they want to clinch back-to-back promotions. One crucial game will be their home fixture on the 2nd February against Norwich City Women FC who currently sit in 3rd place (4 points behind Real Bedford).

As well as that they are yet to play Actonians for the second time and this team will definitely be a huge test for this highflying Real Bedford side.

The Club as a whole

Real Bedford currently share a stadium with their men’s side and play their home fixtures at the Ledger Stadium. The club has strong links in the community encouraging girl’s football and is involved in several local schools where they run Wildcat centers to encourage young girls to get involved in playing football.

Their manager Charlie Bill was nominated for FAWNL manager of the month award for November after a great string of form which saw the club win 3/3 league games.

As we move into the final 9 games of the league campaign, make sure to follow and see if Real Bedford can pull off the extraordinary feat of back-to-back promotions!