It was a memorable Friday night under the floodlights as Brentford Women's B Team beat Sutton United Under-23. The Bees were victorious in the Greater London Women's Football League Anniversary Trophy group stage fixture and look set to make the knock-out rounds in the coming weeks. The game was decided by a single goal, an own goal, scored by the visitors, who play a division higher than The Bees, in the first half in front of 60 spectators at Bedfont Sports Club.

The game started with early dominance from Brentford. The Bees kept the ball well for the opening exchanges, switching the play and creating one-on-one battles across the pitch. The first ten minutes saw Brentford create a handful of chances but were unable to convert.

It was 15 minutes in that Sutton registered their first shot on target from a free kick out on the right, which was saved easily by Sophie Boycott in goal. The Brentford midfield took charge of the game after this and kept the bees ticking over being the driving force of the game. The first half was a great spectacle for the neutral with both teams pushing to break the deadlock.

On the half hour, Brentford won a corner which was swung in by Lillie Elsbury. The corner was put right on top of the Sutton keeper who was challenged by Eshe Davies. The ball bobbled in to the back of the net off a Sutton player.

Sutton pushed for an equaliser in the first half but the Brentford defence held firm. Chloe Logie had a chance to double Brentford’s lead in the 41st minute but the Sutton keeper pulled off a fine close range save.

The second half started with Sutton on the front foot but they struggled to create any clear cut chances in the opening ten minutes. Brentford were getting a lot of joy out wide with chances being created by Davies and Calli Weaver on each wing. Some excellent build up play from the ever hard working Brentford midfield three created more half chances but The Bees unable to convert any of these.

Sutton had a good spell in the final 20 minutes pushing Brentford back into their defensive area. Boycott, on her return to the team, pulled off a number of vital saves to keep the score 1-0. In the 78th minute Sutton had a freekick which was struck off the bar and scrambled clear by the stubborn Bees defence.

There saw a bombardment of long balls and crosses from Sutton for the rest of the game but the Brentford back four stood strong to the task to see out a 1-0 win against the higher opposition. The win means Brentford Women B team finish top of Group Four and move into the Quarter Finals of the GLWFL 50th Anniversary Trophy.

After the game Brentford B Head Coach Will Blithing said: “I’ve never been speechless after a game but this is the first time."

Assistant Coach Tommy Ryan-Maynard added: “In the 4 seasons I have been involved with the squad that is the best performance we’ve had.”