Nia Bowman impressed on her debut for Brentford Women on Sunday afternoon as the first team beat Leatherhead Women 6-2 at Bedfont Sports Club.
Bowman was pleased with her performance as she came off the bench for the Bees in the second half helping her side collect all three points in the London South East Division One North.
Speaking on the victory, Bowman said: “I’m really happy we got the win, we played very well as a team and it felt great to make my debut on a personal note.
“There is a lot of talent within this group and it was shown out on the pitch as it always felt like we were in control for the majority of the game.”
Brentford displayed their attacking power and were already three goals up by the half-hour mark in the first half as Kirsty Matthews and Chloe Logie added to an early Leatherhead own goal.
Despite the visitors scoring just before and after half-time, Matthews and Logie both converted a penalty each before Sophie Troth struck late in the second half wrapping up the win for the hosts.
Matthews & Logie celebrate
Bowman was introduced to the game on 62 minutes filling in at right back and putting in a solid effort.
“I felt like I did well when I came on, if I’m honest I was feeling the nerves, but I grew into the game and feel that I put in a good shift, said Bowman.
“I made some good challenges and just made sure I kept it simple at the back when I had the ball, so overall I’m pleased.”
The women’s first team are blessed with natural leaders in all areas of the pitch with the number 14 explaining how players like Mollie Holmes and Regan Graver helped with her nerves during the action.
Bowman continued: “The team definitely helped me a lot when I first came on, along with the footballing ability within the group there are a lot of individuals with great leadership skills.
“Playing with players like Mollie and Regan will only help me grow as a player, I know especially with Mollie she will push me to become the best I can be.”
Bowman & Sean Hillier embrace following the win
Bowman is a product of the women’s B team and has been a consistent performer this season as the side battle for the league title in the Greater London Division One North.
The 17-year-old pointed to the help of B team head coach, Tommy Ryan-Maynard and assistant head coach, Charlotte Tanner as a key factor to her recent run of form.
“Tommy and Charlotte have been excellent with me and have helped me so much in my development over the season.
“They constantly push me and I can tell they have a lot of belief in me as a footballer which gives me confidence when I step out on the pitch.
“Hopefully now I can keep performing consistently and concentrate on working hard so my chances in the first team continue to come.”