After Brentford Women’s First Team won against Newhaven Ladies in the First Round of the League Cup, Assistant Manager Sean Hillier was left extremely proud of the team’s performance.

A wonder strike from Nikki Saunders and a composed finish from substitute Eleonora Cottrell was enough to see the Bees progress to the Second Round of the competition. Hillier left Bedfont Sports Club pleased with the performance after he saw the First Team dominate for large parts.

“I'm very happy that we got the win and a clean sheet, especially after last weekend, overall I’m pleased that we are in the next round of the Cup,” said Hillier.

The Bees took the lead on 43 minutes with Saunders showing great skill in the middle of the pitch taking on a few Newhaven players. She then unleashed a strike from 25 yards out and the ball flew into the top corner, the visiting keeper was left with no chance after a stunning effort from the Brentford number 12.

Speaking on Saunders' goal Hillier explained: “She (Nikki) has great skill and talent to dribble past people with the ball. I think she beat about three players outside the box before putting the ball in the top corner.

“Once we got that goal we grew in confidence and completely dominated the whole game.”

After going into the break a goal up, the hosts came out in the second half showing real confidence in their play, and after several opportunities to double their lead, it was substitute, Cottrell, that made it 2-0.

Hillier continued: “I’m over the moon for Ella, it’s been a difficult start to the season for her because she’s not getting as many minutes as she would probably like but she is learning a lot and always gives everything on the pitch and in training.

“It’s always great to see players like her come into the game and add a real spark, she was rewarded with her goal that she took very well and could have even got a few more but it was a great performance from her.”

After last weekend’s disappointing exit from the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, it was important that the Bees bounced back. Hillier talked on how he and the rest of the coaching staff dealt with the Abingdon loss and what advice they gave to the girls heading into Sunday's match.

He explained: “The message today was just to be confident and brave, we wanted the girls to perform like we know they can and to go out there and get the win. We need to now take this momentum and put it into the rest of our games this season.”