The London Bees are back in action at The Bees Stadium this Sunday as they take on Kent side Chatham Town in the FAWNL Division One South East.
London Bees:
London Bees mounted an impressive second-half comeback to earn a valuable point in a 2-2 draw against Hashtag United in the FAWNL Cup group stage.
The Bees started brightly, with Layla Kenly threatening early and goalkeeper Tia Ginn making key saves to keep the game level.
Millie Isherwood and Lily Whitelock both went close, but it was Hashtag who took the lead in the 34th minute through Adesan.
Just before the break, Tomlin doubled the hosts’ advantage with a powerful solo run and finish.
Down 2-0 at half-time, the Bees responded with renewed energy in the second half.
Substitutions, including Betty Larkin and Megan Burrows, gave the team fresh momentum.
Sandra Martins impressed on the right wing, and it was her pinpoint cross that found Larkin unmarked in the box to make it 2-1.
Moments later, Whitelock’s dangerous free kick led to a scramble in the box, with Cheyenne Flynn firing home the equaliser.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages.
Ginn remained solid in goal, and Larkin came close with a late effort over the bar, but neither team could find the decisive goal.
London Bees last five results:
Hashtag United 2-2 London Bees (FAWNL League Cup)
MK Dons 0-4 London Bees
London Bees 8-2 AFC Sudbury
London Bees 1-2 Dulwich Hamlet (FAWNL League Cup)
Chesham United 0-4 London Bees
In the dugout:
Tim Abramyan pre-match thoughts can be viewed HERE!
Chatham Town:
Chatham Town made it two wins from two in the FAWNL League Cup group stage with a confident 3–0 victory away at Billericay Town last Sunday.
Three first half goals sealed the victory for The Chat in the second game of the League Cup group stage, as Chatham put on a strong display to collect the three points.
Maddy Woodgate opened the scoring early, quickly followed by a well-taken strike from Amelia Woodgate to double the lead.
Lucy Jones then converted from the penalty spot to make it 3–0 before the break, effectively sealing all three points.
The second half saw Chatham manage the game with maturity and composure, keeping Billericay at bay and preserving a clean sheet.
Chatham Town last five results:
Billericay Town 0-3 Chatham Town (FAWNL League Cup)
Chatham Town 0-1 QPR
Chatham Town 3-2 MK Dons
Chatham Town 6-4 London City Lionesses Academy (FAWNL League Cup)
AFC Sudbury 1-5 Chatham Town
In the opposition dugout:
Chatham Town manager Keith Boanas will be in the dugout for the visitors this Sunday.
Keith Boanas took charge of The Chats back in October 2023, during the 2023/24 season.
With previous experience at Charlton, Millwall Lionesses, Watford, and the Estonia national team, Boanas is a well-established and highly respected figure in the women’s game.
Ones to watch:
Chatham Town forward Ameila Woodgate is the top soccer for Chatham so far this season.
In 5 appearances she has scored 5 goals in all competitions for The Chats.
Last time these two sides met:
The London Bees fell to a 1-2 defeat at home to Chatham Town last time out in the league last season.
The game got off to a nightmare start for the Bees as a defensive mistake in the opening minute allowed Chatham to take advantage, with Lottie Sharp tapping into an empty net to give the visitors an early lead.
Despite the setback, the Bees worked hard to respond, with Millie Isherwood testing the Chatham keeper Eligon with a strong shot in the 14th minute.
Tia Ginn was called into action multiple times and produced solid saves to keep the deficit to one.
Chatham struck again just after the break, capitalising on a loose ball from a corner which Amelia Woodgate converted to double their lead.
The Bees continued to press, but Eligon remained sharp in goal, denying every effort that came her way.
The best opportunity fell to Lily Whitelock, who latched onto a superb through ball and raced through on goal, only to be denied by a fine save.
Deep into stoppage time, substitute Chloe Tambula gave the Bees a lifeline with a calm finish, pulling one back just before the final whistle.
Dan McKimm will be looking for his side to carry their strong league form into Sunday’s game, adding more goals and points as they look to tighten their hold at the top of the table.