Brentford Women triumph over Watford in front of record-breaking audience
The Brentford Women took a 4-2 win against Watford Development in front of a historic and record-breaking audience of 5,116 spectators at Gtech Community Stadium.
Record audience of 5,116 spectators
The Bees headed into the Division 1 North game as favourites as they were occupying second place in the table while Watford were 8th.
After a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day, Brentford kicked off.
Watford take lead after the first half
Right from the start, the Bees had lots of possession in their opponent’s half. They were also the first team to set foot in Watford’s last third of the pitch. Their number 12, Nikki Saunders managed to get through on the left to win the first corner of the game for her team.
As the game wore on play shifted to the midfield with good approach play from both sides. The only thing missing was a shot on target. This finally happened after Brentford’s Mia Bristol tested Watford goalkeeper Tia Ginn with her header after a corner by Nikki Saunders in the 12th minute.
Just two minutes later, the Bees had their best chance yet after beautiful combination by Kirsty Matthews and Afyia Johnson. Once again Watford keeper Ginn did not let the ball pass her.
Shocker for Brentford
Then it happened in the 15th minute.
The first time Watford entered the final third, Lily Hall scored for her team from Rebecca Lovelace’s assist. At first, the Bees seemed shell-shocked by the goal.
After their goal, Watford had the confidence to take the game to Brentford’s half. A long distance shot by Iva Hrisimova in the 22nd minute was just over, grazing the top of the net.
It was not until the 27th minute that Watford received their first corner. The Brentford defence first managed to clear the ball, but then a Watford midfielder got the loose ball and shot narrowly over.
With the fans growing ever louder, Brentford then found more confidence in their game. After Watford midfielder Natalie Cloy had received a card for a tactical foul, Brentford’s Chloe Logie finally managed to beat the Watford goalkeeper but placed her shot just wide – their biggest chance so far.
Again and again Brentford’s Kirsty Matthews was at the heart of proceedings. Tia Ginn in the Watford goal keeping Brentford out.
Brentford turn the game around
The first chance of the second half belonged to Brentford when Nikki Saunders made progress down the left but lost the ball to a Watford defender.
Only shortly after that, the home fans finally got to cheer for a Brentford goal. After a corner by Jodie Reid, Sophie Troth’s effort was prodded towards goal before going in off a Watford defender.
Watford did not seem initially phased. They kept putting pressure on the Brentford defence. At the other end, Bees winger Matthews only hit the post after she overcame Watford’s defensive line.
On the hour-mark both coaches brought fresh legs on. Demi Edwards for Brentford and Safiya Dean for Watford.
In the 65th minute Brentford took the lead when Kirsty Matthews kept cool against Tia Ginn in the Watford goal after a pass by substitute Demi Edwards. Only minutes later, the Bees had free-kick in a good position but Brentford’s number ten was unable to threaten the Watford defence.
Penalty for Watford during additional time
Watford tried to turn the game around. Lily Hall squandered a good chance after lovely play that broke the Brentford defence. She could not get her shot past Hadrava in the Brentford goal.
The Bees played on with more confidence which led to another goal in the 72nd minute. This time their top striker Chloe Logie was able to convert.
Watford again tried to regain control, but with 8 minutes left a shot by Sophia Amanor only ended up in the arm of Hadrava.
Watford were awarded a penalty in the additional time which Safiya Dean had no problem to box into the Brentford goal.
It was Brentford who had the last say of the match when Eleonora Cottrell scored the final goal of the match. This led to an important win for Brentford in the fight for the first place of the table.
The supporting programme also included a short performance by a 15-year-old football freestyler who showed off her skills on the ball. Right before the players entered the stadium the stadium DJ played Sweet Caroline, the song that became synonymous to the success of the English national team at the Euros earlier this year.
For their next games, Brentford will face Actonians Reserves in Capital Intermediate Cup. In the Division 1 their next match will be against Dorking Wanderers FC.
Watford play St Margaretsbury in the Herts Women’s Cup, their next game in Division 1 North is against Whyteleafe FC.
Hopefully, this event will lead to even more games played in bigger stadiums. The match on this day was surely great advertisement for women’s football.
