Brentford Women’s First Team are faced with a tough challenge as they come up against National League outfit Maidenhead United Women in a friendly on Sunday at Bedfont Sports Club in a 3pm kick-off.

Head Coach, Karleigh Osborne believes this is a good opportunity for him to gain a greater understanding of his team as they prepare for the second half of the season.

Speaking on Sunday’s game, Osborne explained: “I’m pleased that the friendly was arranged it’s important to see where everyone’s fitness levels are at following the Christmas break.

“It’s nice that we can use this as a way to get the team playing together again before we jump back into our league games and I’m sure we’ll learn a lot from it.

“It’s obviously going to be a big test for us, Maidenhead are at a level that we are trying to get too so it will be good to see how close we are to them.”

Our B Team begin their 2023 campaign on Sunday also facing a side in a higher division as they take on Actonians Reserves, in the Second Round of the JGMT Cup at Gunnersbury Park in a 2pm kick-off.

The Bees were in exceptional form towards the back end of 2022 and will look to extend their winning streak to six consecutive games against a team who currently sit top of the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division.

B Team Head Coach, Tommy Ryan-Maynard feels confident that his side will be able to continue their good form in 2023.

He said: “It was good to see the players back at training again this week, they all look ready to get playing again so I’m excited to see them back out there.

“It’s going to be a really good game against Actonians who are doing really well themselves at the moment, but I believe that we can go out there and get the win.

“We went on a great run before the Christmas break, but we have two tough games coming up now, so we need to make sure we prepare in the right way.”

B Team striker, Abigail Claringbold understands the challenge that her side are faced against but believes they have what it takes to proceed to the Third Round of the Cup.

The number nine said: “We know it’s going to be tough but if we work together, we can definitely come out with the win.

“It’s going to be a physical battle; we just have to make sure we are switched on and start the game strongly.”

Back in November, the First Team faced Actonians Reserves in the County Cup, leaving Gunnersbury Park with a comfortable 2-0 win.

Ryan-Maynard explains how he feels this could help the B Team heading into Sunday’s game.

“It will be good to speak to Karleigh and get a real insight into how the First Team game against Actonians panned out.

“It obviously makes my job slightly easier knowing what potential strengths and weaknesses they may have but at the same time I think it’s important we just concentrate on what we want to do.”