Brent’s second game of the season saw them take on Brent Cross on a blustery autumnal day in Regent’s Park.
A frenetic tempo was set from the first whistle, with Brent applying the pressure from the off. Nancy Wales probed fearlessly from the left, despite several robust challenges. Eventually, her tenacity paid off, and Brent’s breakthrough came when she drilled the ball home from short range from Eabha Kennedy’s well-taken corner.
Immediately after that, striker Sophie Owen penetrated the opposition’s defence to score another excellent goal.
Brent Cross responded shortly afterwards with a swift counter-attack, and a mix-up in defence led to an unlucky own goal, leaving the score at 2-1 to the Schools’ FA.
Brent Cross’s efforts to level the score were frustrated continuously by rock solid defending from Minnie Palmer and Carrie Rattigan, with Tallulah Swaby’s electrifying pace sweeping up and closing down any counter-attacks.
Shortly before the half time whistle, Kennedy’s interception and blistering dribble from the halfway line ended in a clinical finish, slotting past the keeper in the bottom corner leaving the score at 3-1 to the Schools’ FA at half time.
Brent maintained the pressure in the second half, with the ball consistently in the Brent Cross half, and Wales and Alba Summers looking threatening in midfield.
Kennedy created the next opportunity for Owen with an audacious run from deep in her own half, who duly obliged by converting her through ball into a fourth for Brent.
Ivy Cochrane-Hanley made an impressive debut in goal and thwarted any attempts by Brent Cross to respond.
Shortly after, Owen completed her hat-trick with an assist from the tireless Wales. This gave Brent a well deserved 5-1 victory over a spirited opposition.
Coach’s player of the match: Nancy Wales.
Brent squad: Alba Summers, Carrie Rattigan, Eabha Kennedy, Ivy Cochrane-Hanley, Minnie Palmer, Nancy Wales , Sophie Owen, Tallulah Swaby.