MATCH REPORT | LONDON BEES 0-4 REAL BEDFORD

Bees defeated by Real Bedford in League Cup action

London Bees suffered a 4-0 defeat to National League Southern Premier side Real Bedford in their latest FAWNL League Cup group-stage fixture.

It was a nightmare start for the Bees, who found themselves behind inside the opening minute. Former London Bees loanee Lily Whitelock opened the scoring for the visitors, giving Real Bedford an early advantage.

The game was brought to a temporary halt just minutes later after former Bees goalkeeper Middison Millington-Stanbury was forced off with a serious injury sustained in the opening stages. She required a stretcher to leave the field, with the Bees sending their best wishes for her recovery.

Unfortunately for the Bees, matters continued to go from bad to worse during the opening half. Real Bedford found the net three more times within the space of ten minutes, leaving the hosts with a significant deficit to overcome before the break.

There were, however, some positive moments for the Bees. Fran Vigo produced an excellent double goal-line clearance to deny the visitors from a corner, while goalkeeper Amy Liddiard made an impressive save shortly before half-time, tipping a strike destined for the top-left corner away to prevent Real Bedford from extending their advantage further.

Half-Time: London Bees 0-4 Real Bedford

Dan McKimm made two changes at the break in an attempt to turn the game around, introducing Hayley Hoare and Aria Heil.

The Bees came out with renewed energy after the restart, increasing the tempo and putting greater pressure on the visitors as they looked to create opportunities in the Real Bedford half.

Betty Larkin reacted quickly to a well-weighted through ball before seeing her effort saved and cleared towards Hoare on the edge of the box. Hoare attempted to catch the goalkeeper out with a curling effort from range, but her strike narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Moments later, Shamoy Campbell produced another excellent pass to release Larkin down the left. The striker cut inside before firing towards goal, but her effort drifted just wide.

Hoare and Campbell continued to pose a threat as the Bees looked to find a way back into the contest and at least get a consolation goal on the board. Despite their improved second-half display, however, the breakthrough remained elusive.

Real Bedford ultimately held on to their four-goal advantage to secure a 4-0 victory and leave the Bees still searching for their next League Cup point.

Full-Time: London Bees 0-4 Real Bedford