Dan McKimm’s side travel to The Bauvill Stadium to take on Keith Boanas’s Chatham Town in FAWNL Division One South East.
London Bees:
The London Bees edged through to the next round of the Capital Women’s Senior Cup after a tense and dramatic encounter with QPR, decided by a penalty shootout in relentless rain.
The visitors started brightly and took the lead after 15 minutes when Sandra Martins unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, but QPR responded to level from a corner midway through the first half.
Both sides created chances before the break, with goalkeeper Emma Roberts producing a series of important saves to keep the scores level.
QPR increased the pressure after half-time and went ahead in the second half through a long-range solo effort, before being reduced to ten players late on.
The Bees pushed forward in search of an equaliser and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Martins tapped home her second at the back post to force penalties.
Roberts then made a vital save in the shootout, and after sudden death, Sam Lanza held her nerve to score the winning penalty and send the London Bees through.
London Bees last five results:
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
AFC Sudbury 0–0 London Bees
Haringey Borough 3–7 London Bees (Combined Counties Women’s Cup)
In the dugout:
London Bees assistant head coach Tim Abramyan spoke ahead of the fixture saying:
“I am extremely excited for Sunday.
Both teams will be looking to prove each other wrong after the 0–0 draw last time we played, and that competitive edge is what makes this division so unpredictable.
We put in a great performance during the week and will be looking to build on that in the league.
This will also be my final game with the Bees, and I just want to thank everyone for their relentless support week in, week out.
This group deserves nothing less and truly appreciates every one of our fans.
See you on Sunday, Bees!”
Chatham Town:
Chatham Town progressed to the next stage of the Kent Women’s Cup on Wednesday night after a 4-1 win at home to Aylesford Ladies.
The Chats also progressed to the fifth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup last Sunday after a 3-0 win over York City.
Goals from Ellie Jeffkins and a brace by Amelia Woodgate sealed the victory for the Kent side, reaching the fifth round of the tournament for the first time in the club’s history.
Chatham Town last five results:
Chatham Town 4-1 Aylesford Ladies (Kent Women’s Cup)
Chatham Town 3-0 York City (Adobe WFA Cup)
MK Dons 3-1 Chatham Town
Sutton United 0-3 Chatham Town (Adobe WFA Cup)
Chesham United 0-4 Chatham Town
In the opposition dugout:
Chatham Town manager Keith Boanas will be in the dugout for the hosts 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 19 appearances she has scored 12 goals in all competitions for The Chats.
Last time these two sides met:
London Bees were forced to settle for a point in a competitive 0-0 draw against Chatham Town at The Bees Stadium last time out.
The Bees came close to an early breakthrough when Lily Whitelock’s curling effort was spilled by the Chatham keeper, but Betty Larkin’s follow-up was smothered at close range.
Chatham responded with a threatening counter, only for Cheyenne Flynn to produce a crucial last-ditch tackle.
As the first half progressed, the Bees grew into the game and found openings in Chatham’s defence, with Shamoy Campbell nearly capitalising with a lobbed effort that was eventually cleared.
The second half saw the Bees increase the tempo, with Whitelock’s pinpoint free-kick just skimming wide off Brionne Fowle’s touch.
Flynn remained solid at the back, while substitutes Sandra Martins and returning captain Aimee Durn added energy going forward.
Campbell continued to impress on the wing, and Rebekah Wozniak was inches from connecting with a teasing cross.
In the dying moments, Lanza’s powerful strike forced a stunning save, and Durn’s rebound effort flew just over the bar.
Despite dominating large parts of the game and creating the better chances, the Bees couldn’t find the finishing touch and were held to a goalless draw.
Dan McKimm and his side will be looking to take all the points from this Sunday’s fixture as they aim to widen the gap between The Chats and climb higher up the league table.