This was always going to be a tough match at Bedfont Sports in the Preliminary Round of the SSE FA Cup, against a very strong Ashford Town, another team playing higher up in the Women’s Football pyramid. The game brought a crowd of 142, with a number of Griffin Park regulars keen to see live football, along with a sizeable number of supporters from our local rivals.

Ashford took the lead after about 10 minutes but were given a wake-up call as Brentford equalised with a powerful strike from Holly Hogan. The visitors were showing their quality and strength but were matched by a determined Brentford team creating their own chances. It was Ashford who capitalised on some weak defending to slot home and make it 2-1 by half time.

The home side were forced into some changes after the break as Hogan, Rebekah Wiltshire and Molly O’Reilly succumbed to injuries. The game then became a match of defence versus attack as Ashford constantly pushed ahead and Brentford rarely ventured over the halfway line.

Inevitably, despite a number of saves from Emily Boycott, Ashford were able to convert their chances and capitalize on a number of defensive errors. The Bees fought on, creating some late chances, but Ashford had done the damage, up 6-1 as time ricked away.

A day of great support from the home crowd ended in The Tangerines heading into the Qualifying Rounds of the cup. The team go back to league matters next week with a visit from Islington Borough.