The Bees fell to defeat against strong WSL opposition this evening as Brighton and Hove Albion ran out 5-0 winners at The Hive London.

The visitors fashioned the first opening of the evening as Matilde Lundorf found herself in space inside the Bees penalty box – her shot, however, was just too high.

With 20 minutes played, Lee Burch’s Bees had a fantastic opportunity to open the scoring as Nikita Whinnett found Brooke Nunn at the far post, but the latter’s attempt at goal was just wide of the near post.

In what was now a very open game, Kerkdijk was next to go close as her half-volley from close range was straight at Megen Lynch. Lundorf then tried her luck from range but again, it was off target.

As the Seagulls continued to apply pressure, Amanda Nilden was expertly found inside the area by Lundorf, but again, the Brighton forward couldn’t find the target.

With 43 minutes on the clock, however, Hope Powell’s side made their first-half dominance count. The ball fell to Nilden at the edge of the box and she impressively fired into the bottom corner, in off the post.

London Bees had to weather an early storm at the start of the second period as Whelan had a shot saved before Lynch did well to tip onto the crossbar following a dangerous cross.

But the Seagulls’ pressure was relentless, and they extended their lead through an unlikely source as left-back, Victoria Williams, smashed home from inside the box. 

Emily Simpkins added a third on the hour mark as her deep cross beat everyone in the box and flew into the far corner.

And with 20 minutes to go, Ini Umotong scored the visitor’s fourth as she fired beyond Lynch into the far corner.

A special moment for the London Bees academy as Mathilda Finburgh came on for her first-team debut with just under 10 minutes to play.

Kate Natkiel scored the visitors’ fifth right at the death as her strike from the edge of the box found the top right corner.

The Bees now look ahead to Sunday’s FA Women’s Championship clash against Charlton Athletic at The Hive London.

 

Teams

London Bees: Lynch, Wilson, Robert (Kmita, 63), Brooks, Horwood, Nunn (Finburgh, 83), Gibson, Whinnett, Gamby, Hazard (Pickett, 63), Will

Unused Subs: Quantrill, Dench

 

Attendance: 152