Luton Town Ladies have to focus on their bid to complete an Eastern Region Women’s Football League and Cup double as they fell short in their first bid for silverware last night with a 5-0 defeat to Real Bedford Women in the final of the Bedfordshire FA Women’s Senior Cup at Kenilworth Road.
The Hatters battled bravely against the in-form Real Bedford side, who are on track for a higher division league and cup double themselves, but the quality of the visitors, who have not lost in the league this term, ultimately proved too much in front of 1,062 supporters.
Luton started well, creating early chances through Jess Evans and Jess McKay, but it was Real Bedford who struck first on the half-hour mark when Leyla O’Brien found the net after an initial save from Hatters goalkeeper Sarah Hudson.
Minutes later, Abbie Bensted doubled the lead with a powerful strike off the crossbar before O’Brien secured her brace just before the break, finishing off a surging run from Nicola Puddick to give Real Bedford a 3-0 lead at half-time.
The Hatters kept fighting in the second half, with Hudson pulling off key saves, including denying O’Brien a hat-trick. However, Breon Grant put the game beyond reach with a curling effort into the top corner, and Amber Gaylor wrapped up the scoring in the 83rd minute.
Despite the disappointment, it was a proud occasion for the Hatters to compete for silverware at Kenilworth Road. They’ll now turn their focus to the remainder of the season, aiming to build on this experience and push forward in their campaign to win promotion from the Eastern Region Women’s Football League.
The Ladies host Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women on Sunday as they aim to hunt down league leaders Royston Town, who are ten points clear at the top, having played four more games than the Hatters.
They are also gearing up for the League Cup final against Stevenage Women at Bedford Town on Sunday 11th May.
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