Despite a hard-fought battle between two strong sides, the London Bees bowed out of the FAWNL Plate Cup after a narrow 3–2 defeat away to Gwalia United in South Wales.
The rain began to fall as the game got underway, setting the scene for a dramatic contest.
The Bees made a bright start, but it was Gwalia who struck first inside the opening five minutes after a well-taken effort from the edge of the box found its way into the bottom right corner.
Just a minute later, the hosts doubled their lead when a corner delivery reached an unmarked player at the back post, who headed home to make it 2–0.
Dan McKimm’s side responded well, pressing high and creating chances in the final third.
Their persistence paid off when Lily Whitelock broke free down the flank and delivered a superb ball into the box, where Betty Larkin met it with a powerful strike to pull one back for the Bees.
The remainder of the first half proved to be an intense midfield battle, with both sides exchanging periods of possession.
Sam Lanza produced a moment of brilliance, driving through the centre and feeding Whitelock, whose effort was well held by the Gwalia goalkeeper.
Shortly before the break, Thea Budden was forced off with a slight injury and was replaced by Daisy Hind.
Half-Time: Gwalia United 2–1 London Bees
The hosts came out strong after the restart, applying early pressure and testing the Bees’ back line.
Gwalia nearly extended their lead following a misplaced back pass, but the resulting effort flew over the bar.
At the other end, Larkin pounced on a defensive lapse to set up Sandra Martins, whose powerful strike narrowly missed the target.
Moments later, Gwalia broke free again after another defensive error, but goalkeeper Tia Ginn produced an excellent save to keep the score unchanged.
Despite the Bees’ best efforts to find an equaliser, Gwalia added a third when a cross from the right deflected off Megan Burrows and looped into the net.
Looking to change things up, McKimm introduced Millie Isherwood to add an extra attacking threat.
The Bees pushed forward with intent, and Whitelock came close twice in quick succession, cutting inside and curling efforts towards goal, only to be denied by two strong saves from the Gwalia keeper.
Frustrations began to show late on as Isherwood received a sin bin from the referee and was sent to the side lines for the remainder of the match.
In the closing moments, Larkin struck again by finding space outside the box and firing into the bottom right corner to claim her second goal of the game.
Despite the late rally, time ran out for the Bees as the referee’s whistle brought their FAWNL Plate Cup campaign to an end.
Full-Time: Gwalia United 3–2 London Bees
The London Bees will be back on home grounds next Sunday as they host Cambridge United for a 2pm league clash in the FAWNL Division One South East.
Lineup: Ginn (Roberts 80′), Heil, Martins (Isherwood 62′), Durn, Lanza, Budden (Hind 41′), Vigo, Larkin, Wozniak (Callison 76′), Davidson (Burrows 45′), Whitelock
Goals: Larkin (16′, 90′)