Bees Bow Out of Cup After 4–2 Defeat to Watford Development
The London Bees were knocked out of the Combined Counties Cup following a 4–2 defeat to Watford’s Development side on Sunday.
The Bees made a bright start, pressing the visitors from the outset. Strong wide play from Layla Kenly and Sandra Martins caused early problems, with both delivering dangerous balls into the box as the hosts looked to assert themselves.
Watford responded with their first clear opportunity of the match, striking the outside of the left post.
The breakthrough soon followed as a long range effort from outside the area flew beyond Emma Roberts reach and into the net to give the visitors the lead.
Watford doubled their advantage just before the 20-minute mark, capitalising on a through ball that found its way into the back of the net.
The Bees continued to battle and began to grow back into the contest. Millie Isherwood delivered several dangerous balls from set pieces, while the hosts pushed forward in search of a route back into the game.
Their persistence paid off before the break. Ryah Vyse produced an excellent cross from the left which was met by Martins, whose header struck the crossbar.
Fran Vigo reacted quickest to the rebound, tapping home to score her first goal for the club and halve the deficit.
Half-Time: London Bees 1–2 Watford Development
Hayley Hoare and Shamoy Campbell were introduced at the interval as the Bees looked to turn the game around.
The second half began with renewed intensity from the hosts. Campbell made an immediate impact, delivering a superb ball to Isherwood for an effort that drifted narrowly wide, before threading through Sam Lanza for a one-on-one opportunity that was smothered by the goalkeeper.
Despite the positive start, Watford dealt a decisive blow, scoring twice in the space of five minutes to extend their lead to 4–1 and leave the Bees with a mountain to climb.
Isherwood and Campbell continued to threaten, creating moments that hinted at a potential comeback.
However, efforts either drifted off target or were denied by key saves from the Watford goalkeeper.
The Bees did manage to pull one back late on. Campbell struck powerfully from outside the area, finding the net to reduce the deficit and reward the home side’s persistence.
Ultimately, time was against them, and the referee’s full-time whistle confirmed the Bees’ exit from the competition.
Full-Time: London Bees 2–4 Watford Development
The Bees take an away trip to Berkeley Fields this Thursday as they take on Actonians in the FAWNL Division One South East.
Lineup: Roberts, Vyse (Hoare 46′, 65′), Martins (Campbell 46′), Isherwood, Lanza, Vigo, Wozniak, Davidson, Kenly, Callison, Doolan
Goals: Vigo (33′), Campbell (90′)