Nikki Saunders looks back on Brentford Women’s results in February.
The Women’s First team played three times in February which included a quarter-final victory and an all-important three points in a top of the league clash.
Sunday, February 12
Denham United Women 1 Brentford Women 0
Karleigh Osborne’s side were unable to make a positive start to the month as their title hopes took a knock following a defeat to Denham United. Brentford were massively unfortunate on the day as they dominated the majority of the game but were unable to convert several chances that fell to them. In just the opening minute of the match, Kirsty Matthews saw her header bounce off the bar with it only looking like a matter of time before the visitors found the back of the net. Chloe Logie was awarded a penalty just before half-time but the in-form striker’s spot kick was saved by the Denham goalkeeper. The home team managed to snatch a goal early on in the second half and held the Bees off ensuring their defeat at The Den.
Speaking on the game, Saunders said: “It was a really frustrating day for us, we had a number of chances both in the first and second half, I thought as a team we played really well but our final execution just wasn’t there.
“Despite the result, we didn’t give up at any point in the game and we continued to put Denham under a lot of pressure so I think we can be proud of that.
“That loss goes to show anything can happen in the league, we were favourites going into the game chasing the title, but that defeat made our promotion hopes much tougher.”
Saunders vs Denham
Sunday, February 19
Richmond Park Women 1 Brentford Women 3
The Bees showed their resilience just a week later as they bounced back with a massive win which saw them progress to the semi-finals of the Capital Cup. Despite starting the game well it was Richmond who took the lead on 16 minutes, however, Brentford didn’t let the Denham missed opportunities cross their mind and neither did Chloe Logie, who struck minutes later to put her side back on level terms. After starting the second half strongly, Osborne’s side took the lead following a brilliant strike from Sophie Troth with Logie wrapping up the game when Saunders played through the striker who stroked the ball home giving the visitors their first win of the month.
Talking on the big win, Saunders explained: “We was all so happy with this one, our heads could have dropped after Richmond got the opener, especially after what happened to us the weekend before, but we kept calm and our goals came.
“I think we showed in this game what we’re really about when we go forward and how much we can hurt teams when we are at our best, it was a convincing win from us.
“It felt exciting and refreshing to play a cup game following the tough loss in the league, so it was nice to have something else to focus on other than promotion.
“It’s a great feeling to know we have a semi-final to play and everyone is looking forward to that as we are desperate for some silverware this year.”
Saunders & Logie celebrate
Sunday 26 February
Clapton Community Women 0 Brentford Women 2
Brentford were four points off league leaders Clapton as they travelled to East London to face their title rivals in what was an extremely important game for either side. The Bees were at it from the off and looked extremely focused on the task ahead of them as they attempted to silence the home crowd with long passages of possession throughout. Saunders gave the visitors the lead a minute before the break with an amazing solo goal, the winger beat two players on the left touchline before cutting inside and smashing the ball into the roof of the net. Osborne’s team delivered an even stronger performance in the second half as Logie got their second and her 19th goal of the season following a pinpoint header. Brentford kept the Clapton forwards quiet all game as they inserted their dominance right from the first whistle with the win taking them to within a point of their promotion rivals with a game in hand.
Reflecting on the brilliant performance, Saunders said: “This was definitely one of the best wins of the season so far, we have shown that when it matters, we don’t feel the pressure and we show up.
“We knew it would be a tough challenge against Clapton, but we played so well and showed why we are battling for the title.
“Some of the movements we displayed during the game were excellent and Karleigh was over the moon from what he saw from us.
“I was extremely happy with my goal as it had been a few games since I last scored so when it went in the back of the net it was a great feeling.
“We’re right back in it now in terms of the title race and have a game in hand over Clapton so we just need to take advantage of that and continue our good form.”
Saunders celebrates with team