Brentford proceed to the quarter-finals of the Trophy Cup following a brilliant 2-1 win over Sport London E Benfica on Sunday.

The visiting side put on a dominant first half display with goals from Kirsty Mattews and Ella Cottrell ensuring a 2-0 lead at the break. A second half strike from Sport London put the Bees under pressure but Brentford defended well to see out the win.

Karleigh Osborne’s side came into their first game of the new year eager for some redemption as they faced off against a Sport London side who beat the Bees 3-2 in the last meeting between the two sides.

Brentford made an excellent start to the match controlling possession inside the Sport London half.

Chloe Logie had a great opportunity to give the visitors an early lead when the forward found herself in behind the hosts defence, but her shot went just over the bar.

The Bees got their deserved goal inside 15 minutes when Kirsty Matthews came inside from the right flank and smashed the ball past the Sport London goalkeeper from long range.

It was all Brentford in the opening half hour, Logie had a great chance to double the visitors lead when she was played through by Woods but the forward was denied by the hosts keeper.

Logie and Cottrell were a continuous threat during the first half as Brentford saw another great opportunity come and go just before the half hour mark.

A lofted ball into the path of Logie was brilliantly touched down by the forward who then flicked the ball into the path of Cottrell, the Sport London keeper made another good save for her team, keeping Cottrell’s effort out.

The pair linked up just before the break to eventually give Brentford their second goal of the game. Logie’s initial shot was saved again by the hosts keeper, but Cottrell was on scene to tuck the rebound into an empty net.

The second half saw the game slightly open up and become more even, Sport London pulled a goal back on the hour mark following a great long range strike as the hosts looked to forge a comeback.

Woods was a threat for Brentford on the wing and nearly got Brentford’s third of the game following the hosts goal.

The forward dribbled past two Sport London defenders before firing a shot which flew over the bar.

Despite some late pressure from Sport London, Brentford defended well as they saw out the game to ensure their place in the quarter-finals of the Trophy Cup.

Karleigh Osborne happy with winning start to 2024

Brentford Women head coach Karleigh Osborne says he was impressed by what he saw from his side, especially in the first half, as the Bees claimed an important win over strong opponents.