Afiya Johnson feels Brentford Women deserved more from their 3-0 defeat to Dorking Wanderers in the Capital Cup Intermediate Section final at Bedfont Sports Club on Sunday afternoon.

The women’s first team’s number five put in a strong performance at right-back during Sunday’s match but was left disappointed as Dorking claimed the cup final win.

Speaking on the game, Johnson said: “I think we did well, in the first half we definitely matched them, it was an even game up to that point and we had some good chances.

“We came in at half-time knowing that we still had more to give but I think in the second half we slipped up and that’s what happens when you play against good sides like Dorking, they finished their chances and that’s how they beat us.

The best goal scoring opportunity of the first half fell to the Bees and their top scorer Chloe Logie after the striker got on the end of a great pass from Mollie Holmes but the in-form number nine put her shot narrowly over the bar.

Going into the break, the home side had plenty to build on after what was a solid performance in the opening half of the final.

Talking on the feeling in the dressing room at the break, Johnson explained: “We definitely felt confident that we could come out in the second half and win the game, we were hungry and ready to come out and show what we’ve got.

“Karleigh (Osborne) changing the formation definitely helped to change the game up slightly and we needed that and I think that showed in the second half with the chances that we were creating but it’s just a shame that it ended in a 3-0 loss, I don’t think that was a true reflection of the game.”

Dorking got their first nine minutes after the break after Charlotte Keenan found her way into the Brentford box and chipped the ball past Freya Walker. They then doubled their lead through Xayla-Rae Edwards before Gemma Shephard scored a free-kick to seal the win for her side.

Despite the three Dorking goals Brentford continued to push throughout the second half and were unfortunate to not get at least one goal of their own.

Johnson believes that although it wasn’t the result Brentford Women were hoping for, her and her teammates can be proud of their efforts.

“We put in a great shift today, there were a few decisions which didn’t go our way which was disappointing but we had some great chances throughout the game,” said the Brentford full-back.

“It’s a tough one to take when you’re that close, we had some shots stopped on the line so I think we put in a good show for the fans but at the end of the day we need to finish our chances.”

Brentford Women will now turn their attention to their four remaining league games as they will battle it out with Dorking and Clapton Community as they eye promotion to the Premier Division.

Johnson explains how important it is for her side to shake off the cup final defeat and turn their concentration to winning their remaining games in the league.

She continued: “Our main focus has always been the league, we can only do what we can do so these next games coming up we know we need to get the results and hopefully we’ll come out on top.”