Brentford Women 2 Aylesford 1: Cheatley scores winner in injury return | OneFootball

Brentford Women fought out a tough 2-1 win in the London and South East Premier Division over Aylesford on Sunday, making it 10 wins in a row across all competitions to start the season.

Asees Sangha mirrored her performance against the same opponent on opening day, this time scoring a first half goal at Bedfont Sports Club. That was cancelled out shortly after by the visitors, but Ashley Cheatley secured all three points with a second half strike on her return from injury.

The opening 10 minutes was an even display under gloomy skies in west London, neither side able to penetrate the opposition backline.

The Bees broke the stranglehold on 17 minutes as Sangha made it two goals in as many games against Aylesford. Cheatley contested the ball strongly with Sade Rider in goal for the visitors as she attempted to clear the box, winning the ball and playing to Sangha near the penalty spot who made no mistake in giving Brentford the lead.

It was short lived, however, as Rebecca Keyte found the back of the net a minute later to equalise for Aylesford.

The game continued on as it had started across the opening 10 minutes, remaining a hotly contested clash with both sides enjoying time on the ball without piecing together a promising threat in the final third.

Carly Williams’ side thought they had the lead back on 38 minutes through Sangha again following superb build up play, however the referee saw a handball before the ball hit the back of the net.

Out of the break the Bees started with purpose and almost regained the lead early on. Renea McCrea found herself in space on the left side of the box before firing at goal, her strike cannoning into the post.

The west Londoners continued to dominate possession as the hour mark passed, however were unable to make it count in the final third.

That changed on 64 minutes following a Maddie Phillips’ corner. The ball sailed through the congestion inside the box to Cheatley, the striker firing it home with her right foot to make it 2-1 to the Bees.

Williams’ side continued to look threatening despite taking the lead, the Bees eyeing a third goal to make sure of the three points.

While dominating the ball across the second 45 minutes, the hosts were inches away from giving the game away with two minutes to play. Kara Richardson managed to find space behind Brentford’s backline, rounding Evie Thorne Ford in goal for the Bees, but hitting the post with her shot.

Brentford dusted themselves off and came close to adding a third in added time. Paula Holguin broke down the right side before crossing into Sangha, but her effort hit the side of the net.

The full-time whistle followed soon after, the Bees securing an important win that sees them go top of the league table, three points clear of Saltdean United.

Attention now turns to Sutton United in the FA Cup first round next Sunday at Bedfont.

Brentford Women: Thorne Ford, Phillips, Potter, Harris-Walters, Sangha, Down (Petit 84), McCrea, Cheatley (Holguin 76), Louvrier (Matthews 84), Worsley (Berry 72), Black (Alaneme 72)

Aylesford: Rider, B. Burnham, Witham, Blyghton, Saunders, Burgess, A. Burnham, Hawkins, Richardson, Hulme, Keyte

Subs: Healy, Cartwright, Eiffert