Argyle Women beaten by Real Bedford despite half-time lead

Shana Dolbel had put Argyle ahead with a stunning long-range strike in the first half, but Real Bedford responded after the break through Anele Komani and Kelci Bowers before Ellie Head added a third late on.

Bedford threatened early, with a free kick inside the opening minute finding its way towards the far post, although the ball rolled out of play before a visiting player could meet it.

Argyle soon created their first opportunity as Laura Curnock combined with Sienna Gilbert and Kennedy Garside, with Garside’s effort comfortably saved by Erica Meale.

The visitors’ high press caused problems for Argyle in the opening stages, with Nicola Puddick going close from close range before Liv Giles was called into action to keep out a shot from the edge of the box.

Argyle gradually began to find more space in the Bedford half. Dolbel won a free kick after good pressing, but Kiesha Walker’s effort sailed over the crossbar, before Dolbel herself produced a dangerous run down the left and sent a cross towards the far post which was just too strong.

Cadi Rodgers then made an important intervention to deny Bedford on the counter, before another defensive block prevented Puddick from finding a teammate with a dangerous cross.

The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark. Dolbel won possession in midfield and immediately spotted Meale off her line. She took the opportunity to shoot from distance, sending a spectacular effort over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net to give Argyle a 1-0 lead.

Bedford looked for a response before the break, but Argyle held firm. Dolbel nearly doubled the advantage just before half-time following good combination play with Khloe Reed, but her effort flew over the crossbar.

Argyle started the second half on the front foot, pushing Bedford back into their own half, with Curnock coming closest before being caught offside.

Gilbert then came within inches of doubling Argyle’s advantage when she headed Walker’s free kick towards goal, but Meale reacted well to palm the effort away.

Bedford began to turn the pressure around, and in the 58th minute they found an equaliser. A mix-up between Giles and Aliyat Lambe allowed Komani to get onto the ball and loop it over Giles to make it 1-1.

The visitors continued to push for a second, with Ellie M Bishop producing an important tackle inside the box to deny a Bedford attack.

However, Bedford completed the turnaround in the 65th minute. Their first corner of the second half caused problems inside the Argyle box, with substitute Bowers rising highest to head the visitors into a 2-1 lead.

Argyle responded by introducing Ciara Magee for Gilbert, while later changes saw Brooklyn Brothers and Ellie J Bishop enter for Farrah Ambrose and Garside.

Dolbel continued to threaten from distance and around the Bedford box, winning a number of free-kicks as Argyle searched for a way back into the game.

Meale was forced into another important save in the 78th minute when a deflected Walker free kick fell to Lambe, while Rodgers made another crucial tackle moments later.

Despite Argyle continuing to apply pressure, Bedford sealed the victory five minutes from time when Head calmly found the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

Chloe Ingrouille and Phoebe Bettey were introduced in the closing stages, but Bedford managed the final minutes to see out the victory.

Argyle will now turn their attention to a busy run of fixtures, beginning with a league trip to Cheltenham Town this Sunday before returning to Home Park to host Bournemouth on Sunday, October 18.

The FA Cup will then provide another challenge, with the first round draw yet to be made, before the month concludes with a midweek Devon derby against Exeter City at St James Park on Wednesday, October 28..

After defeat at Home Park, Argyle will be looking to respond positively and build momentum across the upcoming run of games.

ARGYLE: Liv Giles, Aliyat Lambe, Ellie M Bishop, Laura Curnock, Cadi Rodgers, Shana Dolbel, Kiesha Walker (Chloe Ingrouille 85 mins), Sienna Gilbert (Ciara Magee 65 mins), Kennedy Garside (Ellie J Bishop 77 mins), Farrah Ambrose (Brooklyn Brothers 77 mins), Khloe Reed. Substitute (not used): Saskia Worrall.

REAL BEDFORD: Erica Meale, Hannah Warren, Nicola Puddick (Daisy Hind 87 mins), Blue Bartlett-Antwi (Anele Komani h/t), Sophie McLean, Lily Whitelock (Sophie Byrom 39 mins), Ellie Head, Melis Mehmet, Dre Georgiou, Zynia Deglyn (Molly Weaver 65 mins), Amber Gaylor (Kelci Bowers h/t). Substitutes (not used): Mylee Baker, Beatrice Cunnison.

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