Brentford FC Women’s First Team claimed a comprehensive 7-2 victory against Sport London e Benfica in front of a record-breaking crowd. An attendance of 1,010 was at Bedfont Sports Ground yesterday, Sunday 6 March, to watch The Bees pick up a fine win. Rebekah Edwards, Sophie Troth, Ellen Wardlaw, Chloe Webb and Sara Lopez Ezzahiri all got themselves on the scoresheet on a fantastic day for the Club all round.

The three points mean that Brentford go top of the London and South East Regional Women's Division One North table. The Bees are three points ahead of both Sutton United and Dorking Wanderers respectively, although both sides have games in hand on The Bees. Head Coach Karleigh Osborne was ecstatic with his side’s performance and delighted for the Club on a historic day.

Karleigh said: “It’s fantastic. What a day! I’m super proud of the team and every single person who was involved in getting this spectacle organised. I know Amy Crook has worked extremely hard on attracting the biggest crowd in the women’s history and it was a wonderful experience; capped off by a wonderful win.”

It took Brentford 27 minutes to break the deadlock and deservedly so. Edwards found space on the right-hand side and a cross-cum-shot flew over the helpless opposing keeper to hand The Bees a 1-0 edge.

Around five minutes later, Brentford doubled their advantage. Some intricate build up play in the middle of the field ended with Troth collecting the ball on the edge of the box. After shifting the ball onto her favoured right foot, the number 10 drilled her effort towards goal, despite looking routine for the goalkeeper the ball slipped through her hands and rolled into the back of the net.

With five minutes to go until half time Troth found her second and Brentford’s third of the contest. After a mix up in the Benfica back line, Troth had the ball inside the box and this time produced an emphatic finish into the top corner, leaving the keeper with absolutely no chance.

The Bees were in a rampant mood and began the second half in the same vein they had ended the first. This time left back Webb got herself onto the scoresheet with another cross-cum-shot, this time from the left-hand side. Brentford did not care how they were going in as they sailed into a 4-0 lead.

Just before the hour mark the away side managed to claw a goal back from a corner. The ball was delivered into a dangerous area and a Benfica head rose highest to nod home and claim what looked to be only a consolation.

Ten minutes later Brentford restored their four-goal advantage as Edwards grabbed her second of the afternoon. There was a wonderful cross field ball from Wardlaw on the opposite wing, Edwards latched onto it and, after seeing her initial effort saved, followed in and helped herself to the rebound.

About five minutes later The Bees made it six through second half substitute Lopez Ezzahiri. The ball was whipped into the near post from a corner and beautifully guided home with the outside of her right foot. The away side then grabbed a controversial second after the referee looked to have got in the way and impeded proceedings, however he deemed that the game should continue and the away side capitalised.

There was still enough time for Wardlaw to get onto the scoresheet and make it seven for Brentford. The winger cut in from the left and from 25 yards out whipped a delicious effort into the top right corner. It was the pick of the bunch and a great way to round off an impressive performance.