A new Brent Schools’ FA girls team made an encouraging start to the season in two matches held at The Hive before London Bees played Tottenham Hotspur Ladies in The FA Women’s Super League.
The team has developed from the Wildcats coaching sessions hosted by BSFA in conjunction with The FA and beem supported by the Football Foundation’s Grow the Game fund. These initiatives are linked to The FA’s efforts increase girls participation in football.
Playing their first ever match, Brent started strongly but went in three behind at the interval against a strong Watford team. They rallied at half time and the second half was a different story. Having adjusted to the pace of the game, Brent outplayed Watford and scored the only goal of the half a superb strike by Giuseppina Carnevale.
Boosted by this, Brent came out full of confidence for the second game. Matilda Easterby and Elizabeth Ulusele defended well, limiting Watford’s attacks and when called upon goalkeeper Maddie Muir made two superb saves. In attack, Carnevale was a constant threat to Watford, particularly when dribbling from midfield. It was her run that led to the breakthrough when she combined with Eabha Kennedy to release Molly O‘Connor to score with a thunderbolt shot just before half time.
After the restart, Maud Ampofo was brought on to shore up the defense and it was all Brent as they pressed for the all important second goal. Watford fought back bravely, forcing Maddie Muir to save from point-blank range before at the other end Carnavale went on another jinking run, forcing a fine save from the Watford ‘keeper. Watford counter-attacked and with the last kick of the game a good strike gave Muir no chance and levelled the score at 1-1.
Coach Olivia Pascoe observed: “The girls showed fantastic battling spirit. They really worked as a team. I am very proud of them.”
London Bees staff co-ordinating the event congratulated the new team on a superb debut, citing Guiseppina Carnevale as one of the outstanding players on display.
Squad: Alina Shafi, Eabha Kennedy, Giuseppina Carnevale, Elizabeth Ulusele, Maddie Muir, Matilda Easterby, Maud Ampofo., Molly O’Connor