Clapton Community 2 Brentford Women 4: Bees secure promotion and league title | OneFootball

Brentford Women’s long-awaited promotion was secured following a 4-2 win over Clapton Community in LSE Division One North action at Old Spotted Dog Ground on Sunday.

Ashley Cheatley opened the scoring early in the game to give the Bees momentum, Maddie Phillips following suit with a long-range strike to send the visitors into half-time up 2-0.

Nikki Woods scored inside the opening minute of the second half to make it 3-0 before Carolin Engelhard netted Brentford's fourth in the middle of two second-half goals from the hosts.

Speaking after the game, head coach Karleigh Osborne was proud of the way his side approached a tense away clash with promotion on the line.

"I'm ecstatic, over the moon for the group and for the club," said Osborne. "It's a wonderful achievement and I'm buzzing that the players have gone and performed again today, got the win and secured the title.

"On the ball we could have been better at times, especially in the first half. I think second half we were a lot calmer, played some better football, scored some great goals.

"Overall for me it was about how they approached the game with their mentality and I thought they did that brilliantly."

Brentford Women has come a long way since it was formed in 1990 by Roger Crook, then called Brentford Women and Girls.

The club rebranded ahead of the 2020/21 season to Brentford Women FC and was integrated into the wider Brentford structure, Roger’s daughter Amy leading the club as general manager.

The Bees later secured promotion to the sixth tier, the group embarking on a new journey in a new competition.

“Since the club took us under their wing, their support has been amazing, and they have made it all worth it for me,” said Roger.

“The number of staff we have now to support the players is brilliant, and it’s become a real attraction to play for Brentford Women.”

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Osborne’s side in tier six. Their debut season saw the Bees finish fourth with eight wins from 16 outings.

Despite losing just seven games across the next two campaigns, Brentford were edged out for the league title and promotion in heartbreaking fashion by Dorking Wanderers and Sport London E Benfica, the latter by a single point.

Hungry for more after back-to-back near misses, the 2024/25 season brought with it expectations and a new drive within the group, Osborne making it clear that promotion was the team's main goal.

"Last year we were just gutted because I feel like we had it in our own hands, a bad early start didn't help us," said captain Mollie Holmes.

"This time it's great, it's all in our own hands, we've got a perfect record which we still want to keep ... we're buzzing, we're so happy we've done it.

"It's been a long journey ... we've got so close, but this year, genuinely, from the first game to right now, I knew we were going to do it, there was no doubt in my mind."

The campaign could not have started any better, Brentford reeling off 16-straight wins across the league, FA Cup and Capital Cup to start the season.

While an historic FA Cup run to the third round proper ended with a loss to Fulham, the Bees showed the level they could grow to in future years, beating higher-ranked sides Sport London, Ascot United and London Seaward on their way to the third round.

Brentford have since gone from strength-to-strength, claiming a further 11 league victories to take the winning streak to 20 for the season.

Osborne’s outfit also lifted the Capital Cup for a second-straight year following a tense penalty shoot-out win over Farnham Town, another piece of silverware for the collection alongside last year's Trophy Cup.

While Sunday’s win marked a successful point in the Bees’ story, it’s a stepping stone in the journey that is to come for the side.

The supporters have been along for the ride and will continue to play a vital part in the story of Brentford Women.

Four appearances at Gtech Community Stadium have highlighted the growth of the side since its debut at the ground in November 2022, their latest clash a 4-2 win over Bromley.

This has translated to crowds building week-by-week at Bedfont Sports Club, the home of Brentford Women.

Clapton Community: Mathurin, Shurety, Diana, Lyons, Steiner, Perez, Trezzi, Link, Mendonca, Casanovas, Summers Subs: Aymans, Evans, Oikarainen, Shaw Brentford Women: Boycott, Phillips (Webb 70), Graver, Down (Gbajabiamila 70), Engelhard, Holmes, Logie (Aboul Kheir 87), Woods, Cheatley, Worsley (Troth 87), Potter (Read 79)

Osborne: It's a wonderful achievement

Brentford Women head coach Karleigh Osborne was delighted with his side's performance as they secured a 4-2 win over Clapton Community, confirming the Bees' league title and promotion to tier five.

Speaking after the game, Osborne was proud of his side for their ability to fight through a tense away game and secure the three points.

Limited edition champions t-shirts

Brentford Women league champions t-shirts are now available to purchase.

Get your piece of historic memorabilia here.