Brentford Women’s First Team rounded off their pre-season campaign last week against American University side Shenandoah University Hornets where they were beaten 4-2. They are now set for their season opener in the LSE Regional WFL Division One North as they face Clapton Community on Sunday 21 August.

The Bees started their final warm-up game well, with much of the first few minutes of action taking place in the opposition’s half. Brentford took the lead via a corner early in the game as Nicole Goolab sent a looping ball into the six-yard box. Shenandoah failed to deal with the delivery which led to a scramble before the ball was bundled into the net as Chloe Logie got the final touch.

Despite falling behind, it was the Hornets who began to dictate the rhythm of the game and they levelled on 23 minutes through Emma Bauer who tapped home following a cross to the back post.

It didn’t take too long before Shenandoah went ahead with another close-range effort before they made it 3-1 before the break with another after a dangerous cross from the left wasn’t dealt with as the American side converted with precision.

Brentford almost reduced the deficit before half-time as Sophie Troth found herself one-v-one against the opponent’s goalkeeper but her effort was well saved.

A low strike from Victoria Peia gave the University side a further advantage as it became 4-1 just 10 minutes after the break. Brentford were better following this, though, with some good passes forward pulled back for offside on a couple of occasions. They did pull one back to make it 4-2, though, after an impressive solo goal saw Calli Weaver receive the ball in her own half before sprinting forward and finishing well past the keeper.

All eyes will now be focused on the first match of the season as the Bees face Clapton, who won promotion to the division last season, in a 3pm kick-off at Bedfont Sports on Sunday. Supporters can gain access to the match free of charge at Bedfont as the side look to get their season off to a positive start.