Women’s First Team Manager Karleigh Osborne was left disappointed to have exited the Vitality Women's FA Cup but could not fault the efforts of his players as they were beaten by Abingdon United.
After an impressive win against Woodley United in the First Qualifying Round of the competition, Osborne was looking for his side to carry this form into the game against Abingdon on Sunday, but despite the 5-0 loss he was proud of his players.
“Obviously it’s a disappointing result but I don’t feel like the score line is really a fair reflection of the game”, said the Brentford Manager. “I’m proud of the girls today in the way that they applied themselves, they kept fighting and put in some good performances and were willing to work hard throughout the game to try and get something out of it.”
Karleigh Osborne post-Abingdon United
The hosts took the lead 12 minutes Amy Pipe lobbed Brentford keeper Hadrava from 25 yards. Abingdon scored two more before half time with Pipe at the double and Osborne-Ricketts having a simple tap in from a corner.
Osborne continued: “I can’t fault the players’ desire to get back into the game and continue pushing, there were some fantastic blocks from our defence, I think it just comes down to the fact that we played against a really good team that have real quality, and they are a tough side to play against.”
Despite a better second half from the Bees, they struggled to create any real clearcut chances with a Nikki Saunders strike from 25 yards the away team’s best attempt but the Abingdon keeper made a good save to ensure a clean sheet.
The Southern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division side managed to get two more goals before the full-time whistle, Pipe sealed her hat trick before Lindsay Pinker made it 5-0.
Karleigh continued: “They used their experience and physical attributes well today to make the game difficult for us, but this is a learning curve, we have a young team and I believe games like this will help us grow.”
The First Team’s attention now turns to the Women’s League Cup as they welcome Newhaven to Bedfont Sports Centre on Sunday.
Speaking on the up and coming fixture, Osborne said: “I just want to see a reaction and I want the girls to believe in themselves more, the fight and desire is there which is brilliant, I believe in this group completely so I want them to do so themselves.”