The third round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup competition was played last Sunday, 18th December and Brentford Women hosted Fulham in a west London derby, at their home venue of Bedfont Sports FC.

Brentford, who currently play at tier 6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid, were taking on a side higher than them in the pyramid for the fourth time in this season’s competition. 

Fulham compete at tier 5, in the South East Regional League Premier Division.   The Bees had already made history in this competition, by reaching the second round for the first time ever.

The Bees had reached the 3rd round by beating North Leigh (18-1 away), Tilehurst Panthers (12-1 at home) and Sport London e Benfica (2-0 at home) in the qualifying rounds.  They then overcame Ascot United 4-2 in an epic 1st round proper encounter and National League club, London Seaward by a single goal in round 2.   

Fulham had entered the competition at the 2nd qualifying round, when they recorded an 11-0 victory at Epsom & Ewell. They then beat Maidenhead United in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw at home in the 3rd qualifying round. Then, in the competition proper, they disposed of Chesham United 7-0 and Royston Town 4-3, both at home.       

Both sides were unbeaten in their respective leagues. Fulham had won 6 and drawn 1 of their 7 fixtures, with a goal difference of +27. Brentford had won all 9 of their matches with a goal difference of +48.  

Unfortunately, the Bees’ progress in this season’s competition was halted by a very good Fulham side, who took charge of the match, following a goalless first half. They went ahead two minutes into the second period and from then dominated the proceedings. Brentford’s hopes were briefly raised in the 72nd minute, when Chloe Logie scored a superb equaliser against the run of play. However, Fulham regained the lead almost immediately and remained in control for the remainder of the match.  

Similar to the match against London Seaward in the previous round, the strong wind made playing conditions very difficult. Fulham quickly came to terms with the conditions and had some early scoring attempts. Stella Gamdee Morgan fired across the Bees’ goalmouth but her effort didn’t attract a touch. Ellie Olds headed wide from Stella’s cross from the right, and then volleyed wide from another of Stella’s crosses.

Play switched to the other end and Chloe Webb’s cross from the left was caught in the wind and just cleared the Fulham crossbar.

Fulham resumed their attack and Madi Parsonson’s drive from the edge of the penalty box was saved low down by Evie Witek.   Then Sam Read made an important saving tackle on the dangerous Stella Gamdee Morgan.

Ellie Olds broke clear but Carolin Engelhard managed to deflect her shot narrowly wide of the upright.

Brentford striker, Ashley Cheatley’s angled shot went wide and almost immediately, her strike partner Chloe Logie shot over the bar from Nikki Woods’ pass.

Evie Witek made several saves as Fulham exerted pressure as the first half concluded. She saved low down from Stella Gamdee Morgan and then took Stella’s shot which was hit on the turn. She then thwarted Megalie Mendes, who fastened onto a rebound after two consecutive Bees’ shots had been charged down.

Ellie Olds broke through the middle but Evie turned her drive around the post. Then, in the minute added before the interval, Ellie volleyed over the bar from close range.

Half time score: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Ellie Olds broke the deadlock, by heading Fulham into the lead from Madi Parsonson’s cross, within 3 minutes of the restart.

Fulham keeper Amber Webber saved at Nikki Woods’ feet.

Evie saved at Stella Gambee Morgan’s feet. Play was now remaining in the Brentford half for lengthy periods. Bo Taylor fired wide. Evie Witek beat Madi Parsonson to a through ball and then made a fine save from Ella Newman.

Evie then saved Eva Tagliavini’s close range header from a corner.

Chloe Logie surprised and delighted the home supporters by equalising in the 72nd minute. She fastened onto Nicky Woods’ pass, ran on and beat the keeper with a great lob.

Unfortunately, the joy was short lived, as Fulham regained the lead less than 2 minutes later, through Madi Parsonson. Evie Witek made a good save from Madi’s initial drive but stood no chance with Madi’s shot from the rebound.

Fulham now saw the match out without difficulty.   The Bees provided them with one anxious moment when Ashley Cheatley won the ball from a defender and advanced on goal. However, Amber Webber saved at her feet.

Although their brilliant WFA Cup run has finally ended and their overall unbeaten record has gone, the Bees can be justly proud of their achievements so far this season. They still have a lot to play for and are in an excellent position to gain promotion and add some cup silverware, to cap what is already a truly memorable campaign.

TEAM LINE-UPS

Brentford: Evie Witek, Carolin Engelhard, Regan Graver, Samantha Read (Lucy Potter 57 mins), Maddie Phillips, Chloe Webb (Kirsty Matthews 64), Mollie Holmes (capt) (Habeebat Gjabiamila 79), Freya Worsley, Nikki Woods, Chloe Logie and Ashley Cheatley.

Unused substitutes: Paula Holguin, Jodie Reid, Nour Aboul Kheir, Freya Walker (gkpr) and Sophie Troth.

Head Coach: Karleigh Osborne   Assistant Head Coach: Sean Hillier.  Physio: Charles Rennie.

Fulham: Amber Webber, Eva Tagliavini, Evie Gane (capt), Tia Foreman, Ellie Olds (Isabel Taylor-Makepiece 81), Madi Parsonson (Sophia Roberts 90+4), Stella Gandee Morgan, Ella Newman, Megalie Mendes, Catherine Beaver and Bo Taylor.

Unused substitutes: Frankie Gibbs (gkpr), Becky Stormer, Madeleine Filer and Jess Jordan.

Head Coach: Steve Jaye  Technical Coaches: Rachel Woodland and John Parker.   Physios: Carla Thurston-Price and Jono Wood.

Referee: David Lofgren

Attendance: 719

Queens Park Rangers Women were also involved in this round, away to London Bees. Rangers led on 2 separate occasions but were reduced to 10 players after a 44th minute dismissal and despite a courageous fight, lost 6-3 after extra time. Their goals were scored by Courtney Ward-Chambers, Ashleigh Goddard and Grace Stanley.

Report: Jim Taylor

Photography: Chris Benn

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