Brentford progress to the first round proper of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup after beating Watford Ladies Development 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

The Bees put on a dominant display in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup with Nikki Woods wasting no time putting the visitors in front inside 15 minutes with a fantastic strike. Watford Development replied moments later after being awarded a penalty only for Woods to unleash another great strike to give her side a 2-1 lead. Brentford showed maturity in the second half as the side controlled possession to see out their lead and earn the win.

Brentford were looking for their fourth consecutive victory and made an impressive start to the game as the visitors dominated possession in the early stages.

Woods, who has been in great form for Brentford this season, came inches away from putting her side ahead inside five minutes.

The forward cut inside from the left flank and unleashed a powerful strike towards goal but her effort went just wide of the far post.

Brentford got their deserved early goal on 13 minutes with Woods finding the net on her next chance.

The no.12 dribbled with the ball into a central position and struck a perfect strike which flew into the roof of the net from 25 yards.

Despite the visitors dominance, Watford Development were gifted an instant route back into the game when the referee deemed Samantha Read’s tackle inside the box on Rebecca Lovelace to be a foul.

Lovelace smashed her spot kick into the top right corner, levelling the score line just a minute after the Bees took the lead.

Brentford looked dangerous every time they played forward and continued to work the ball out to the wings.

Woods was playing with supreme confidence, with the winger putting her side ahead again on 25 minutes with another stunning goal.

This time Woods received the ball on the left wing before cutting inside and shooting towards goal with her shot proving too powerful for the Watford Development keeper to hold.

The second half proved to be a tighter game as Brentford looked to protect their lead and Watford Development battled for a route back into the game.

Brentford continued to retain the ball really well with the hosts beginning to grow frustrated with constantly chasing the ball.

Karleigh Osborne made a number of changes late on in the second half bringing some fresh legs into the game as his side aimed to see out their win.

Chloe Logie thought she had scored Brentford’s third when Kirsty Matthews delivered a great cross to the forward, but she wasn’t able to keep her first time effort down.

Watford Development posed little threat allowing the Bees to see out a big win in the FA Cup.

Brentford Women: Witek, Mirjan, Graver (Heavingham Ford 88’), Holmes (Troth, 62’), Logie, Woods, Matthews, Worsley, Cottrell (Arquette, 20’), Read, Ferns

Karleigh Osborne praises his side following FA Cup win

Brentford Women's head coach Karleigh Osborne was left extremely happy with his side following their performance against Watford Ladies Development, with two goals from Nikki Woods sealing the victory.

Osborne believes his side now have all the momentum they need to push on in the league after one of their most important wins this season.