The Bees are back in cup action this Sunday (3pm) as they host Watford in the Combined Counties Football League Women’s Cup.

 

London Bees:

 

London Bees sealed a big three points at home last Sunday after a 4-1 victory over MK Dons, after a strong early lead that helped carried the Bees to victory.

 

London Bees took control from the opening whistle, with captain Sam Lanza threatening inside the first few seconds before calmly slotting home to give her side an early lead.

 

The hosts quickly doubled their advantage when Millie Isherwood’s pinpoint cross found Sandra Martins, who finished confidently, and moments later Martins turned provider for Lanza to head in her second and make it 3–0.

 

The Bees remained dominant both in attack and defence, but MK Dons Women pulled a goal back just before half-time when a free kick struck the bar and Maddie Pollard reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

 

After the break, the Bees continued to press and created further chances through Martins, Isherwood and others before Isherwood’s corner was turned in by Rebekah Wozniak to seal a convincing 4–1 home victory.

 

London Bees last five results:

 

London Bees 4-1 MK Dons

 

Chatham Town 6-1 London Bees

 

QPR 2 (4) – 2 (5) London Bees (Capital Women’s Cup | Bees win 5-4 on penalties)

 

London Bees 0-6 Liverpool (Adobe WFA Cup)

 

London Bees 7–1 Chesham United

 

In the dugout:

 

London Bees goalkeeping coach James McKimm spoke ahead of the fixture saying:

 

“After what was a really strong performance last weekend in the league, we’re looking forward to being back in cup action this weekend.

 

Cup football always carries with it a certain excitement and combine that with the prospect of two clubs local to each other going head-to-head, and I think that makes for a great spectacle.

 

The work rate and application from the girls in training this week has been excellent, so we’re excited to see how that translates onto the pitch on Sunday in what should be a great game.

 

Looking forward to seeing all the Bees fans on Sunday!”

 

Watford:

 

Watford FC Women were founded in 2014 and are known as the Golden Girls, they currently compete in the FA Women’s National League South.

 

The club have enjoyed spells in the Women’s Championship on two occasions, through winning the FA Women’s National League Southern Division and securing promotion through the tier play-offs in the 2022–23 season.

 

Watford FC Women extended their lead at the top of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division to four points with a 4–3 victory over Oxford United Women.

 

After Nicola Gibson’s early opener, Lachante Paul levelled the game before a strike from Maddie Perry restored Watford’s advantage.

 

Flo Fyfe made an impact off the bench with two second-half goals, while Emma Thompson netted twice to keep Oxford in contention.

 

The Golden Girls held on to the lead to secure a third consecutive win, cementing their current spot at the top on the table.

 

Watford FC last five results:

 

Watford 4-3 Oxford United

 

Watford 4-0 AFC Wimbledon

 

Plymouth Argyle 1-3 Watford

 

AFC Bournemouth 3-2 Watford

 

Charlton Athletic 3-2 Watford (Adobe WFA Cup)

 

In the opposition dugout:

 

Watford FC manager Renee Hector will be in the dugout for the Golden Girls this Sunday.

 

Appointed as head coach in July 2024, Hector is a former defender with spells at Watford and Tottenham Hotspur Women.

 

She has also earned her UEFA coaching qualifications and gained experience with England’s Under-17s as part of the Elite Coach Programme.

 

Ones to watch:

 

Watford’s leading goal scorer this season is attacking forward Madison Perry, in 20 appearances she has scored 15 goals in all competitions, as well as securing 7 assists.

 

Last time these two sides met:

 

London Bees were beaten 2–0 away at Watford last time out back on the 16th of April 2023, in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.

 

The Bees battled throughout but struggled to convert chances as Watford took the lead just before half-time through Bianca Baptiste.

 

The London Bees defence and midfield worked hard to regain control after the break, yet it wasn’t until the closing stages that Poppy Wilson struck to increase the host’s advantage.

 

Dan McKimm and his side will be looking to carry on their strong momentum from last Sunday’s win over MK Dons, as they look progress through to the next round of the cup.