Despite being ahead twice Brentford Women left the Douglas Eyre Sports Centre with a point following a competitive match between the two sides.

After a cagey first half with both teams going into the break level, the game came to life in the second 45. A Kirsty Matthews wonder strike and a neat finish from Chloe Logie wasn’t enough to ensure Brentford the three points as Natalie White and Kate Meeman were also on target for Hackney.

The Bees came into the game in fine form after two great results in their previous fixtures and displayed their confidence in the opening stages as they looked threatening in the attacking areas.

Brentford felt they should have been awarded a penalty just 15 minutes in when Hackney goalkeeper, Naomi Gross collided with Logie who was running onto a lobbed pass. Despite making no contact with the ball the referee didn’t believe there was enough in the challenge to award a penalty.

The home team came close minutes later after Kea Felix cut inside from the left wing and attempted to curl the ball into the far corner but her shot went just wide.

The first half proved to be a scrappy affair with either side limited to minimal chances, Brentford came close on 35 minutes when Matthews found herself in space 25 yards out from goal and let fly, but her effort didn’t cause Gross any problems.

Regan Graver vs Hackney

The game came to life in the second half with the Bees making a strong start as they looked to find the opener and they were rewarded for this on 56 minutes.

Matthews latched onto a loose ball and unleashed a powerful volley from around 30 yards out which flew into the top corner in what was an unbelievable strike from one of Brentford’s most influential players this season.

The away team’s lead didn’t last long however as Hackney replied just two minutes later.

After the Bees could only half clear the ball away, White was in the perfect position to side-foot her shot past Azza Fouly from close range.

Brentford looked determined to get themselves back in front as they continued to flood the pressure on, following the host’s equaliser.

On 70 minutes Logie struck for the Bees making it 20 goals for the season for the striker but more importantly putting her side ahead once again.

The number nine got onto a long throw from Maddie Heavingham-Ford and showed great skill to take a touch away from her marker and smash the ball past Gross into the roof of the net.

Following the goal, Hackney began looking dangerous as they drove forward in numbers to get themselves back on level terms for the second time in the game.

On 81 minutes they did exactly that when Kate Meeman tapped the ball in from a few yards out after Fouly made a great save with her face to stop White’s shot, injuring the Brentford number one in the process.

After a large stoppage in play as Fouly seeked medical attention the game got underway again with just eight minutes to go.

Both sides had moments within the remaining minutes but neither could forge any real goal-scoring opportunities, seeing the two teams take a share of the points.

Karleigh Osborne thoughts

Speaking after the game, head coach Karleigh Osborne said: “I’m disappointed to be honest, not so much with my team but just the fact we have only managed to leave with a point.

“I thought we deserved more and I wasn’t happy with some of the decisions that got given against us to be honest.”

Coming off the back of two important victories, Osborne went on to explain how that made the draw against Hackney even tougher to take.

Osborne vs Hackney

“We had two great wins against really strong sides and I thought we were the better team today.

“It was a scrappy game and it wasn’t great to watch to be honest but I thought we battled hard and was unlucky to not come away with the win after being ahead twice.”

Despite being disappointed by the result, Osborne understands the importance of regrouping his team as they continue their hunt for promotion.

“We need to let this one go now and focus on our up-and-coming games as there is still a long way to go.

“It’s my job to make sure the players keep their heads up and bounce back which I'm sure they will do.”