Looking Forward – Looking Back
Back at the Gtech 24th March
TREBLE chasing Brentford’s Women’s emphatic 6-1 win against Ashmount Leigh at the Gtech was our 13th consecutive victory.
In the stands the adults leisurely supped on their alcoholic drinks, taking their time to enjoy their beverages whilst around them a new swarm of young Bees fans were being born. The noise, the enthusiasm is something to behold. Kids were singing Bees songs from outside the Steam Museum all the way up to the ground, their hand held signs were not begging for shirts but had slogans like “Go Brentford GO”. Those that didn’t have scarfs unfolded the matchday programme to proudly hold the team picture a loft as if it was a flag.
Pre-match they loved the FAN-CAM, waving at the camera, swaying to Sweet Caroline, some didn’t know the words to Hey Jude (most of us regulars get it wrong) but they held their scarfs and programmes aloft and enthusiastically joined in with rendition of Were the Red and White Army
On the pitch, we took time a little time to settle but when we did, we were magic. Goal of the Game was scored by Maddie Phillips who is ‘One of Own’ our coming from a Brentford supporting family and being related to the legend that is Tommy Higginson.
Maddie looked up from just inside the oppositions half to let fly and to lobbed the keeper from distance. There was a pause as Maddie stood to watch her shot head goalward and a massive scream of delight and a dozen fist bumps of pure joy as Maddie waited for team mates to run over for a celebratory bundle.
MARCHing on
The month of March has seen our ladies close the gap on the league Leaders London Sport E Benfica and to reach our second Cup Final.
The Bees came into the month on the back of a crunching 14-0 victory against Camden & Islington United. You may not have heard of them, but until last season they were an established L&SERWFL Premier League side known as New London Lionesses.
In the league we beat Whyteleafe 6-0 at Bedfont Sports before beating Ashmount Leigh 6-1
The Bees reached the Capital Cup final with a convincing 7-1 win against Comets at Bedfont Sports. The goal we conceded was the first by our excellent defence in over nine and half hours.
Every Game in April is Special – Here’s why…
The league program usual takes a break for Easter, but having played 12 cup matches with 5 postponements we have some serious catching up to do in the League, so will be playing away to Denham United on Easter Sunday 31st March.
At the end of the last decade, Sunday’s hosts, Denham United were a Women’s National League side and their full trophy cabinet would seriously not look out of place at Old Trafford
Next up, on 7th April, is a double header at Hackney and a chance to watch both the First Team and our Women’s B Team in action. Our B team can win promotion to Greater London Women’s FL Premier Division if they win their game at Hackney which kicks off at 2pm with the match between the two first teams kicking off at 15:30.
On 14th April we play at London’s oldest Football Ground, the iconic Spotted Dog when we travel to Clapton Community. Clapton Community are a fan owned club. They are one of the best supported teams outside of the Women’s National League both in numbers and fan enthusiasm. Its an experience not to be missed! Expect Flags, drums, Ultra’s and a verying welcoming atmosphere.
On 17th April our Women make their Wheatsheaf Park debut when they play Richmond Park in the League before we host our title rivals London Sport E Benfica at Bedfont Sports on 21st April.
We currently have FIVE games in hand on Sport London E Benfica and are 16 points behind.
Its going to be tight, we need to keep winning and hope that SLEB drop a couple of points when they travel to either Whyteleafe or host Hackney.
SLEB beat us at the start of the Season when the blinded sided referee didn’t see Kirsty Matthews equaliser cross the line and rebound back out into play off of the wheel located just behind the post.
Our record league attendance at Bedfont is 1,124 (Richmond Park 02/04/23) and it would be great if get over 2k for the SLEB fixture which attracted 1,114 back in 2022.
Finally, we complete a packed April with a trip to Dorking Wanderers Meadowbank Football stadium to play Leatherhead in the Capital Cup Final on 28th April. A venue we will be returning to May to contest the League Trophy Final against Whyteleafe.
Richard Merritt