An impressive second-half performance helped steer Brentford Women to a 3-1 win over league rivals Dulwich Hamlet Reserves on Sunday.

Returning to London South East Division One North action at Bedfont Sports Club, the Bees conceded the opening goal. However, a double from Chloe Logie and single from Regan Graver secured the three points.

Karleigh Osborne made one change to his starting line-up from last weekend’s 5-0 win over Steyning Town Community, Sophie Troth replacing the injured Ella Cottrell.

Following an undefeated start to 2024, Osborne’s side were put under pressure in the opening 10 minutes, Dulwich applying pressure on each ball carrier and winning it back.

The visitors reaped the rewards of this pressure on five minutes, earning a free-kick which Roisin Stone put into the back of the net from long range.

The Bees eased their way into the game and following the 10-minute mark, started to possess the ball and looked more comfortable going forward.

Logie helped the side see some reward for their possession dominance on 21 minutes, finding the ball on the left side of the box, cutting inside and firing a powerful strike that found the top right corner to make it 1-1.

The visitors weren’t deterred, however, as both sides continued to enjoy time in possession without challenging either defensive line as the break approached.

The Bees nearly found a late goal on 45 minutes, Maddie Phillips’ free-kick deflecting off multiple defenders in the box before being secured by Dulwich keeper Gwyn West as Kirsty Matthews attacked the loose ball.

Brentford came out firing to start the second half, dominating possession and looking more clinical with the ball at their feet.

They broke the deadlock on 58 minutes, Nikki Woods’ corner clearing West and finding Regan Graver, who hit the back of the net to make it 2-1 and two goals in as many games for the defender.

Despite the Bees dominating the opening 25 minutes of the second half, Dulwich came close to equalising as the 70th minute passed, Malinda Davies finding herself one-on-one with Evie Witek who made a super save.

Nour Abou Kheir provided fresh legs for the Bees and was immediately in the play, firing a shot from outside the box that beat a diving Davies but hit the post and rolled out of play.

Phillips nearly went one better a minute later, her free-kick from long range just clearing the bar and hitting the top of the net.

As full-time approached, Matthews nearly put the game to bed, cutting to her left side and shooting, the shot hitting the post.

The visitors nearly equalised a minute later, however the shot suffered the same fate as Matthews’.

Logie went one better as 90 minutes ticked over, firing a shot from just inside the box that beat Davies’ outstretched hands to make it 3-1 and secure the three points for Brentford.

Brentford Women: Witek, Graver, Holmes, Logie, Troth (Aboul Kheir 62), Webb, Woods (Wardlaw 77), Phillips, Matthews, Worsley, Read

Subs not used: Reid, Bolitho, Heavingham-Ford

Osborne praises second-half response

After a slow start to Sunday's clash, Brentford Women head coach Karleigh Osborne was pleased with his side's reaction in the second half.

The Bees added two goals thanks to Logie and Graver in the second 45 minutes, helping steer them to a valuable three points.

"Obviously pleased with the result... a game of two halves, didn't quite reach the standards and the levels that we have over the last few weeks in the first half," said Osborne.

"The reaction from the half-time team talk and what they gave in the second half was brilliant.

"Ultimately just pleased we got the three points, Dulwich are a really good team... they're top-of-the-table for a reason."

With Dulwich league leaders entering the contest, the win was a key one for Brentford as they continue their hunt for promotion come the end of the season.

"It's game-by-game and it's about building momentum and making sure that we keep pushing up the table and every game's important, especially when you're playing teams like Dulwich," said Osborne.

"For me it was nothing but a win, I didn't want a draw... I wanted only three points, so I'm pleased with that."