The London Bees face Barking FC at The Bees Stadium this Sunday (2pm) for the first round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
London Bees:
A tale of two halves last Sunday as the Bees held on to secure a 4-3 win against Cambridge United to progress to the next round of the Plate Cup despite a strong lead at the break.
The breakthrough came as Whitelock drove down the left and saw her shot parried into the path of Isherwood, who fired home to make it 1–0.
Less than a minute later, Thea Budden’s superb ball over the top picked out Brionne Fowle at the back post, who tapped in for 2–0 on her full debut.
Around the half-hour mark, Cheyenne Flynn rose highest from an Isherwood corner to head home the Bees’ third, giving them a comfortable 3–0 lead at halftime.
Early in the second half, Isherwood added her second goal after a scramble in the box made it 4–0.
However, Cambridge refused to give up, scoring twice in quick succession before converting a penalty to bring the score to 3–4 with half an hour left.
Manager Dan McKimm made several changes to strengthen the side, introducing Sam Lanza, Aimee Durn, and Fran Vigo as the Bees worked to protect their narrow lead.
Cambridge piled on late pressure, but goalkeeper Roberts made a crucial save from a free kick in the final moments to deny the hosts an equaliser.
The final whistle confirmed a thrilling 4–3 victory for the London Bees, who advance to the next round of the cup after a dramatic contest.
London Bees last five results:
Cambridge United 3-4 London Bees (FAWNL League Cup)
Dulwich Hamlet 1-3 London Bees
London Bees 10-1 Colchester united (Adobe WFA Cup)
London Bees 3-2 Crystal Palace Academy (FAWNL League Cup)
London Bees 1-2 Norwich City
In the dugout:
Tim Abramyan’s preview interview can be viewed HERE!
Barking:
Barking Women’s team competes in the London & South East Women’s Regional Football League Premier Division, playing their home matches at the Mayesbrook Park Stadium in east London.
In their recent fixture, Barking fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Sutton United in the league.
Barking fell just short at Mayesbrook Park, losing narrowly to Sutton United despite a strong performance and a spirited fightback.
Sutton took an early lead when a quick move saw Emma Spear break through to finish past the advancing Barking goalkeeper.
Barking grew into the game and were rewarded on the half-hour mark when a low cross into the box was met with a calm finish to bring the sides level.
After the break, Sutton regained the advantage midway through the half, with Spear once again on target from close range.
Barking pushed hard in the closing stages, pressing for an equaliser, but couldn’t find a way through a determined Sutton defence.
Barking last five results:
Barking 1-2 Sutton United
Barking 1-4 Saltdean United
Ramsey & Mistley 0-7 Barking (Adobe WFA Cup)
Barking 5-1 Newhaven
Barking 9-0 Cambridge City (Adobe WFA Cup)
In the opposition dugout:
Barking manager Joe Stacks will be in the dugout for The Blues on Sunday.
Ones to watch:
Barking’s leading top goal scorer so far this season is Laura Bunton, who has scored 10 goals in 8 starts for The Blues.
Last time these two sides met:
This Sunday will be the first time the London Bees and Barking will face each other.
Dan McKimm will be looking for his side to build on their impressive run of form this Sunday as they aim to secure a place in the next round of the cup.