Brentford pulled of an empathic Giant Killing beating Women’s National League side Dartford to progress to the second round of the Women’s FA Cup at the Honeycroft.
Last season the Bees exited the competition at this stage on penalties after being held to draw at home to Sutton United whilst visitors Dartford came into the game hoping to match or better reaching the third-round proper, which they achieved last season.
The Bees stared strongly and with purpose. The welcome return of Wiktoria Kiszkis gave the side the renewed confidence of having two recognised strikers up front.
Dartford were tested as early as the fifth minute when Ashley Cheatley found strike partner Wiktoria Kiszkis in the box but Jade Charlton did well to push out for a corner.
The corner which was played short to Millie Constantine whose low cross was headed home by Wiktoria Kiszkis with six minutes on the clock.
The Bees doubled their lead just three minutes later when Millie Constantine intercepted and from 25 yards struck a hard low shot that went under the body of the diving Jade Charlton into the corner of the of the goal.
Gabby Howell had a good chance to reduce the Darts arrears, but was thwarted by Saskia Reeves-Priestley who saved well.
Rebeca Teale smashed an effort against the Dartford bar in 27th minute
A minute before half time, Dartford were awarded a drop ball. Bees striker Ashely Cheatlet sprang forward as soon as the Dartford player took the ball under her control and ran from the halfway line up the pitch to give the Bees a 3-0 nil lead.
The second half was a lot tighter and a little bit fierier as both sides didn’t hold back in their efforts.
New signing, striker Lucy Monkman made her Bees debut in the 69th minute coming on for Wiktoria Kiszkis.
Saskia Reeves-Priestley tipped Dartford Georgie Davis over the bar in the 75th minute and from the resulting corner, Davis had another effort that ratted the bar.
Brentford’s Maddie Smith was booked in the 88th minute when contesting and winning a 50/50 ball took out the Darts player, leaving her needing extensive treatment.
The final whistle wes met with joyous scenes as the players celebrated together before acknowledging the biggest Honeycroft crowd of the season, as the Dartford fans trudged out of the ground
Brentford: 3-5-2
Saskia Reeves-Priestley;
Makeba Black, Rhian Cleverley ©, Lucy Potter (Renai McCrea 89’);
Maddie Phillips, Abbi Smith, Rebecca Teale (Ilana Harris-Walters 78’), Katie Gilligan, Millie Constantine (Imogen Cochrane 78’);
Wicktoria Kiszkis (Lucy Monkman 69’), Ashley Cheatley (Chelsie Berry 89’).
Subs not used: Mya Francis-Pownall, Freya Worsley
Manager: Carly Williams
Booked: Maddie Phillips 88’
Dartford:
Jade Charlton;
Abby Delves (Dulcie Galbally 61’), Georgie Davis, Abbey Davies, Lizzie Adams (Paris Smith 46’), Shauni Griffiths (Katie O’Brien 46’), Mya Lewis-Powell, Xayla-Rae Alberts (C), Gabby Howell (Molly Smith 72’), Ellie Dolby, Mercedes Bromfield (Sarah Sparrow 46’).
Subs not used: Leila Awan, Martha McDonald.
Manager: Connor Dymond
Booked: Lizzie Adams 9’, Abbey Davies 17’, Connor Dymond 50’, Jade Charlton 83’