A late Chloe Logie strike saw Brentford Women’s First Team draw to fourth-tier outfit Maidenhead United in Sunday’s friendly at Bedfont Sports Club.

Head Coach, Karleigh Osborne prior to the match described the game as a ‘tough test’ but his side certainly held their own in what was their first game of the new year.

Despite the Bees having a good start to the match it was the National League side who took the lead on 22 minutes.

Maidenhead’s captain was able to tap the ball into the back of the net from close range after getting onto the end of a deep corner kick.

Just eight minutes later Logie levelled the score line for the hosts in lethal fashion, the number nine was first on scene to follow up a good save from Maidenhead’s number one after a long-range effort from Kirsty Matthews. The striker showed excellent composure to slot the ball into the bottom right corner, putting her side back on level terms.

The Bees grew into the game after Logie’s goal and began playing some good football inside the opposition half.

Despite this, Maidenhead snatched a goal just before the half-time whistle was blown when the visitor's striker passed the ball into an empty net following a good save from Brentford keeper, Emily Boycott.

The home team flew out of the traps in the second half looking eager to find an equaliser once again.

Logie looked especially dangerous and on 46 minutes she saw her curled effort from just inside the box denied by the post.

Just a few minutes later Nikki Saunders showed brilliant skill to dribble past two Maidenhead defenders but her shot from 10 yards out was saved well by the away team’s keeper.

The chances kept coming for Brentford, but they struggled to find the back of the net despite playing some great football.

Matthews came close next when a Saunders cross found the winger, but her header went just wide of the post.

After impressing for the B Team Karen Abou-Abdallah got a deserved call-up for the First Team and put in quite the performance when she entered the game from the bench.

On 62 minutes her strike from 25 yards looked destined to find the bottom corner but yet again the Maidenhead keeper was there to make a good save.

It took the Bees until the 90th minute to finally get their much deserved equaliser and it was Logie again who stepped up for the hosts.

A Saunders corner kick bounced inside the Maidenhead box allowing the number nine to take a swing at the ball on the volley.

Her effort couldn’t be stopped this time and ensured the Bees ended the game with a draw leaving Osborne extremely proud of his team’s efforts.

Speaking after the game, the Head Coach said: “I’m very pleased, to come away with a draw against a team two leagues above us is very encouraging.

“Our second-half performance was really good; the players took on board what we told them at half-time so I’m happy with our performance and it was nice to see the team back out there.”

With his side going into the break a goal down Osborne explained what his message was after the first 45.

“I don’t think we had a bad first half I just wanted the team to take care of the ball more, I told the players that we needed to be less wasteful and show more energy in the final third.”

Abou-Abdallah wasn’t the only B Team player that impressed Osborne on Sunday evening, with Maddie Heavingham-Ford and Calli Weaver also featuring for the First Team.

Talking about their performances, Osborne explained: “It was great to see them all fit into the game well, Maddie was solid at the back she did really well, and she continues to improve all the time which is great to see.

“Karen made her debut today and when she came on she did fantastic, the work rate and energy she brought in that central midfield position was amazing.

“Calli also provided some quality for us when she was brought on and I believe she’s got a big future ahead of her.”

The draw against Maidenhead sets the First Team up perfectly for the second half of their 2022/23 campaign and Osborne believes his team is heading in the right direction.

“I learnt a lot from today, we knew Maidenhead were going to be a top team, but I think we all realised we are a lot closer to that level than we previously thought.

“We matched them in all areas and I think today will help the girls understand how much quality they have which will help us as we look towards the rest of our season.”