The Bees fall to a narrow 3–2 loss against Fulham in a dramatic encounter that saw late heartbreak after a spirited performance.
The visitors started strong on the last day of the season, keeping hold of the ball in the Bees half, looking to find a way of getting an early advantage.
The Bees however weren’t making it easy for the champions, as an early ball over the top from Betty Larkin nearly releasing Millie Isherwood gave the Bees a good attacking oppotunity, only for the Fulham goalkeeper to react quickly and deny the chance.
Despite Fulham dominating possession in the opening stages, the Bees remained dangerous, with Rebekah Wozniak producing an important defensive intervention and Brionne Fowle winning a free kick to relieve pressure.
A headed effort from a Bees corner went just wide midway through the first half, but Fulham were awarded a penalty on 39 minutes after a foul by Aria Heil in the penalty box.
The visitors then converted from the spot to take a 1–0 lead into the break.
Half time: London Bees 0 – 1 Fulham
The Bees responded well after half time, making a change as Aimee Durn replaced Fowle, and Roberts produced an excellent close-range save.
Isherwood then went close from distance before the equaliser arrived in the 53rd minute, as Hayley Hoare delivered a superb cross for Shamoy Campbell to charge forward and covert the finish brilliantly at the back post.
The momentum appeared to swing further in the Bees’ favour when Isherwood battled forward against the defence to put the ball into the net again shortly after the equaliser.
However, a collision left her requiring treatment before being stretchered off the pitch to a standing ovation from the crowed, applauding her outstanding effort and hard work in creating the goal to put the Bees in front.
Sophie Davidson and Rennai Bennett were introduced onto the pitch and the game continued.
Roberts proved instrumental throughout the game, keeping the Bees ahead, making a string of outstanding saves as Fulham pushed for an equaliser, including multiple one-on-one stops and a crucial late save from a long-range effort.
However, deep into stoppage time, Fulham found a breakthrough, levelling in the 101st minute before striking again just four minutes later to complete the turnaround.
Despite a resilient display and moments of quality, the Bees were left frustrated as Fulham claimed a 3–2 victory at full time.
Full time: London Bees 2 – 3 Fulham
Lineup: Roberts, Heil, Isherwood (Davidson 70′), Lanza, Burrows, Larkin (Bennet 70′), Fowle (Durn 45’), Vigo, Wozniak (Vyse 85’), Campbell, Hoare
Goals: Campbell 53’, Isherwood 64’