Ashley Cheatley’s first season in Brentford colours could not have gone much better: a league title and promotion to tier five, a Capital Cup and 46 goals.

The campaign met all of Cheatley’s expectations after joining from Ashford Town alongside Lucy Potter, the pair playing pivotal roles in the Bees’ success.

After kicking off her second season in west London with back-to-back league wins against Aylesford and Newhaven, Cheatley’s goals and aspirations haven’t changed as Brentford Women embark on a new journey in the London and South East Premier Division.

“We set out to win the league [last season] and we did just that" said Cheatley.

"I think with the FA Cup and everything we obviously made history, so to achieve that was massive for us. Hopefully this season we can do the same.

“Winning the league [is the aim this season]. It’s got to be winning the league. I don’t think we should be settling for mid-table finishes or to not be relegated, I think we should go on and push and I believe that we can do that.

“It’ll be good because I think the teams in tier five have a lot more to offer, so competitively it will be much better.

“I don’t think we should go into this league nervous or worried about any opponents, we know what we can do.

“Hopefully with the training plan and pre-season that we had, that will just help us get to the next level and be able to be even better than the teams in tier five.”

While the off-season brought with it a lot of change to the Brentford Women set-up, including head coach Karleigh Osborne and captain Mollie Holmes’ departures, the squad still boasts strong depth.

Under new head coach Carly Williams, the Bees have Cheatley, Potter and Alissa Down who have all previously played in higher divisions with Ashford, while experienced stars Maddie Phillips, Regan Graver, Freya Worsley, Nikki Woods, Evie Witek, Carolin Engelhard, Habeebat Gbajabiamila, Kirsty Matthews, Paula Holguin and Chelsie Berry have all returned.

Joining them are new recruits Esme Alaneme (Charlton Athletic U21s), Khyri McKenzie (Whyteleafe), Asees Sangha (Haringey Girls Academy), Cloe O’Brien (London Seaward), Maï Louvrier (QPR), Ilana Harris-Walters (Sutton United) and Renai McCrae (QPR).

“Obviously everything’s changed, but we’ve got a nice set-up, training’s been really good, we’ve had new players come in and they’re very good,” said Cheatley.

“We know that we need to improve and we’re only going to get that by getting new players in. I think what the new players have to offer is a lot of quality, but as well as that from what we’ve seen, they want to gel, they want to be within a team.

“When you’ve got that foundation where everyone feels like they’re together, it’s such a big thing, you’re already up 40 per cent.”

The 2025/26 season will see Cheatley, Potter and Down go up against their old side Ashford, a task that Cheatley is excited for.

“I think it’s just going to add to the occasion, obviously having been there… just to go back, see some familiar faces, it’ll be great."

When asked about if she’d celebrate a goal against her old side, the striker wasn’t sure yet.

“I have thought about this, I don’t think so, it depends on the reception,” she admitted.

“I was a bit disappointed not to get 50 [goals last season]. If I can get 50 this year, that’s just going to show me I can be consistent and I can improve as well.”

The Bees hit the road on Sunday as they face fellow undefeated side Barking in league action (3pm kick-off BST).