Luton Town Ladies were defeated in the Beds FA Women's Senior Cup Final by local rivals Real Bedford in front of 1,064 at Kenilworth Road on Thursday evening.
The Hatters, who play a level below the unbeaten Women’s National League Division One South-East leaders, started off positively, with Shanice Lewis’ press winning the ball back, high up the pitch, within the opening sixty seconds.
Shianne Swarres then launched a ball over the top of the defence in the direction of Lewis, who wasn’t able to reach the ball.
Six minutes into the game, the Pirates had a chance of their own, although the half-volley from outside the area was hit high into the Kenilworth Road end.
On her return to action, Ghana internatinal defender Bridget Adu produced a fine sliding challenge to halt a Real Bedford surge.
Moments later, Bridget was involved again, she originally lost the ball, but made a fine recovery challenge just as Bedford were baring down on goal.
On the half hour mark, Real Bedford opened the scoring via Leyla O’Brien, who nipped in between defender and goalkeeper Sarah Hudson to tap the ball home.
Just five minutes on, Real Bedford doubled their lead and this time it was the first-goal assister, turned scorer, as Abbie Bensted fired home the goal of the game from 25 yards, the ball bouncing down from the underside of the crossbar and over the line, with Hudson helpless.
Just before the break, O’Brien completed her brace with another well-taken goal, slotted into the bottom right corner.
After the restart, Hudson made a great save at her near post following a counter attack from Bedford, but the side who are unbeaten at the top of their Step Four division weren't to be denied.
They added a fourth with just under half-an-hour left to play, Breon Grant with an inch-perfect finish into the top left corner, before they completed the scoring with seven minutes to play, Amber Gaylor adding a fifth with a rocket past Hudson.
Fadi Mazloum and Myles Maddix's Hatters could hold their heads high, however, and now focus on attempting to complete an Eastern Region Women's Football League and Cup double.
Our Ladies host Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers Women in a 2pm kick-off on Sunday at Barton Rovers, as they continue their pursuit of Premier Division leaders Royston Town, who sit ten points clear at the top but having played four games more.
Get down to Sharpenhoe Road for the 2pm kick-off and support the girls, if you're after your football fix this weekend with the men's first team not in action due to the international break.
The Hatters also have a League Cup final to look forward to against Stevenage Women at Bedford Town on Sunday 11th May.
Report: Owen Williams
Photos: Duncan Jack
Visit the Luton Town Ladies website - lutontownladiesfc.co.uk
