Goals from Nikki Saunders and Kirsty Matthews ensured the Women’s First Team progressed into the Third Round of the League Cup after an excellent performance on Sunday afternoon.

The Bees looked to extend their unbeaten run to five games but faced a tough challenge against an AFC Acorns side, who ply their trade in the division above.

The visitors showed the quality they possess right away opening the scoring just two minutes in.

Sami Philips got onto the end of a cross from Chloe Chesworth and found herself with space to shoot inside the box. The number 14 slotted her left-footed strike into the bottom corner giving her side an early lead.

The Bees showed great character to fight back and get an equaliser on 16 minutes starting from a Matthews free-kick with the number 15 forcing AFC Acorns keeper, Lauren Graves, to save her shot over the bar.

Saunders stepped up to take the left-sided corner which curled directly into the near post completely catching everyone off guard.

The goal seemed to give Saunders a spring in her step as she came close just moments later, this time the Brentford number 12 cut in from the left flank, but her curled effort was easily gathered by Graves.

The Women’s First Team were playing with great confidence and nearly took the lead again, this time through Chloe Logie.

A lovely ball over the AFC Acorns defence from Laura Miller found Logie whose lobbed attempt unfortunately clipped the top of the bar.

Saunders seemed to be causing the AFC Acorns right-back, Alicia Haworth, problems as she skipped past her on the left wing several times. On 44 minutes she beat the defender and forced a good save from Graves as her powerful strike looked destined to find the roof of the net.

The Bees started the second half similar to the way they ended the first as they continued to play nice flowing football.

Matthews came close on 50 minutes after Logie played through the winger, but Graves was there again to save her left-footed strike.

After constant pressure, the home team finally took the lead on 57 minutes with Matthews getting her deserved goal. She was first on scene to tap home the rebound following a lovely move which ended in Logie forcing Graves into making a great save, only for the ball to sit perfectly for Matthews to put her side in front.

Some lovely football was on display from the Bees with Sophie Troth and midfield partner, Miller, controlling the tempo of the game in the middle of the pitch.

AFC Acorns seemed deflated after the hosts took the lead and struggled to create any significant chances, allowing for a comfortable final 20 minutes which saw the First Team see out the game and ensure their place in the hat for the Third Round of the League Cup.

Brentford Women First Team: Hadrava, Peters (74’, Heavingham Ford), Graver, Johnson (77’, McComb), Holmes (70’ Reid), Logie (80’, Palfrey), Troth, Webb, Saunders, Matthews (76’, Cotterell), Miller