Division One South East League action returns this weekend as the Bees opening fixture takes them to The Meadow Stadium as they face Chesham United in a 2pm kick off.
London Bees:
The London Bees wrapped up their pre-season with a thrilling 2-1 win over Stevenage Borough.
They started brightly, with early chances for Sam Lanza and Lily Whitelock narrowly missing the target.
The Bees dominated much of the first half, and their pressure paid off just before the break when Betty Larkin calmly slotted home to give them a deserved 1-0 lead.
Stevenage responded quickly after half-time, levelling the score with a lofted effort over the Bees’ defence.
Despite the setback, the Bees pushed forward, with substitutes adding fresh energy.
Lanza struck the post, and Larkin continued to threaten, but the breakthrough finally came late on.
Shamoy Campbell’s low cross found Mira Hoteit, who smashed in the winner to seal the victory.
There was further cause for celebration as Destiny Rosier-Welsh made her return from injury in the closing minutes.
It was a strong finish to pre-season for Dan McKimm’s side, who now head into the new campaign full of confidence.
London Bees last five results:
London Bees 2-1 Stevenage Borough (Pre-Season Friendly)
London Bees 2-2 Peterborough United (Pre-Season Friendly)
London Bees 6-0 Maidenhead United (Pre-Season Friendly)
London Bees 0-2 AFC Wimbledon (Pre-Season Friendly)
London Bees 2-0 Ascot United (Pre-Season Friendly)
In the dugout:
Tim Abramyan pre-match thoughts can be viewed HERE!
Chesham United last five results:
Chesham United 2-2 Atletico London
Chesham United 4-1 St Albons
Newport Pagnell Town 5-1 Chesham United
Northampton Town 5-0 Chesham United
Chesham United 2-6 London Bees
In the opposition dugout:
Chesham United manager Mani Asare will be in the dugout for the hosts on Sunday.
Last time these two sides met:
The London Bees closed out last season by securing a dominant 6-2 away victory over Chesham United in their final Division One South East fixture of the 24/25 season.
Despite falling behind early to a long-range Chesham strike, the Bees quickly responded through Lily Whitelock, who levelled the score after a well-worked move involving Sam Lanza.
Moments later, Aria Heil gave the Bees the lead with a looping effort that flew into the top corner.
The goals kept coming, with Lanza volleying in a third just before half-time from a Hayley Hoare free kick.
The Bees picked up where they left off after the break, with Hoare adding a fourth with a curling shot from distance.
Chesham pulled one back through Gemma Fraser, but Hoare soon struck again, rounding the keeper after a clever through ball from captain Aimee Durn.
Late on, Whitelock had a goal ruled out for offside but made no mistake moments later, curling in her second to seal a stunning 6-2 win.
Cheyenne Flynn also made a welcome return from injury, and the Bees wrapped up their 24/25 campaign in 4th place with a strong performance to end the season.
Dan Mckimm’s side will be hoping for a strong start this Sunday, as they look to get off the mark in the 25/26 Division One South East Season!