Millwall Lionesses U18’s beat Brentford B team in Capital Women’s Cup Junior Cup on Sunday afternoon.
The Lionesses won 3-2 at Bedfont Sports Club to claim a deserved win in the competition.
The U18’s marched through the completion beating Hounslow Women FC Reserves, Tower Hamlets Firsts before beating AFC Leyton Women in the third round.
Actonians Ladies Thirds were the opponents in the quarter finals but the Lionesses dispatched them 2-0 before securing a place final by winning 1-0 against Impact FC 1st Women in the semi-finals.
Millwall started quickly in the final and were 2-0 up in eight minutes with Ellie Hinckley and Chloe Brian getting the goals.
The Bees pulled one back before half-time before Melissa Jones gave The Lionesses a two goal cushion once again but Brentford did get another back with nine minutes remaining.
But that wasn’t to matter as Millwall Lionesses U18’s held on to win the competition.
Ted Jones, Millwall Lionesses U18’s manager said: “It was a fantastic day for the girls against a strong Brentford FC Women B side. The game got off to a fantastic start as the Lionesses took the lead inside 4 minutes. Chloe Brian delivered a great cross, after some superb wing-play, into the path of Melissa Jones who set the ball towards captain, Ellie Hinkley who smashed the ball home from 5 yards. The girls doubled their lead on the 8th minute, Chloe Brian winning the ball high up the pitch and firing a looping shot from 25 yards out over the Brentford keeper.
“The pace of the game slowed down as both teams battled to get hold of the ball. Brentford grew into the game but failed to create any clear cut chances against a resolute Lionesses defence. Brentford did manage to get themselves back into the game in the 33rd minute as a pass from Ruby Dythe was intercepted and the Brentford skipper struck the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the empty net.
“Brentford continued to push until half-time, trying to get themselves an equaliser but still failed to create any threatening attacks as the Lionesses went in at half-time 2-1 ahead.
“The second half started at a frantic pace with both sides looking to get the next goal. The first big chance of the half fell in the way of Brentford, as the on-rushing midfielder drove into the box but was met by goalkeeper, Wiktoria Gmiterek who was able to smother the ball and prevent any shot on target. The Lionesses looked dangerous on the counter-attack and were rewarded with a penalty after Frances Kerr was brought down inside the box after a challenge from the Brentford defender.
“Up stepped Melissa Jones, who saw her penalty saved as the goalkeeper dived down to her left to keep out Jones’ strike but she was quick to follow up and tapped in the rebound to restore the Lionesses two goal lead. The Lionesses stood strong and was able to thwart any attempts on goal as Brentford were unable to register any shots which tested Gmiterek.
“Brentford managed to grab themselves a lifeline in the 81st minute. Brentford pounced on a poor clearance from the Lionesses as the Brentford winger curled in a looping shot over the diving Gmiterek. Brentford looked to force the game to penalties with their closest opportunities coming in the second minute of added time as a speculative effort from outside the box dropped over the crossbar.
“As the full-time whistle blew, there was jubilant scenes as the Lionesses celebrated the first senior trophy the club has won since the reform in 2019.
“The U18’s will look to pick up their second trophy of the season as they face Hackney Wick U18’s in the London FA Girls U18 Cup Final on Sunday 30th April at Carshalton Athletic FC, 7:00pm kick off.”
