Fulham retain top FAWNL spot slotting five past London Bees

Fulham FC Women remained at the top of the FA Women’s National League Division One South East table after they thrashed London Bees at home.

Top scorer, Ellie Olds made it double as the Whites ran riot at Motspur Park, finishing a low ball in the second half. While Kayleigh Stead, Stella Gandee Morgan, and Katie Dungate ensured the Cottagers had complete control.

Pre match

The Whites were looking to extend their unbeaten run following victories away at Bristol Rovers in the league and Milton Keynes Dons in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. Meanwhile the Bees were hoping to halt their momentum after a positive few weeks in both the league and cup competitions.

London Bees had a strong recent run, beating Portishead Town in the FA Cup and Cambridge United in the league, and were aiming to continue their form after moving up to third in the table, level on points with their rivals.

First half

Fulham started strong, creating several chances, though the Bees kept them at bay. Forward Kayleigh Stead later burst into the box following a through ball, but her attempt was blocked by goalkeeper Tia Ginn.

The Whites struggled to finish early opportunities, with a few attempts easily saved or blocked. The team continued to find a breakthrough, but it was not until the ninth minute that a through ball from Stead fired the Cottagers into the lead, with Olds striking from long range. 

The Bees responded with a shot saved by Fulham’s goalkeeper, Frankie Gibbs, but the Cottagers fought back, pressing to extend their advantage. Katie Dungate looked dangerous with a few shots on target, showcasing her clinical finishing. 

The Cottagers continued to break down the Bees’ defence, their persistence paying off when a defensive effort by the Bees presented midfielder, Stella Gandee Morgan the space to power through, unleashing an effort twenty-five yards from goal, doubling the home team’s lead. 

There was barely time for the Bees to breathe as Fulham struck again in the last ten minutes of the half, with Stead adding the team’s third and Dungate nodding in the team’s fourth. 

The Bees struggled to create opportunities in the first half, with Gibbs rarely tested. The Cottagers were in complete control, sealing the win within the 45 minutes.

Half-time: Fulham 4-0 London Bees

Second half

The Bees began the second half pressing high, forcing Fulham to defend from the back. They threatened occasionally, with their first real chance coming from out wide, though it went past the post. A missed opportunity saw their momentum fade.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Olds delivered the final blow late in the half, drilling a low shot into the back of the net and marking the end of the road for the visitors.

The Bees continued to search for an equaliser, but their attempts were repeatedly blocked by the Cottagers, who at times appeared complacent. 

Despite a few missed chances from both sides, London Bees were unable to create anything clear-cut. Injuries and saves punctuated the half, but Fulham remained in control.

Full-time: Fulham 5-0 London Bees

What’s next? 

Fulham look to continue their good run of form when they take on Luton Town away next Sunday at Barton Rovers FC (14:00 KO), while the Bees face Queen’s Park Rangers at home (14:00 KO).  

London Bees sit third in the table with nineteen points. However, this leaves them nine points of Fulham who top the league with twenty-eight points. Only one loss in ten fixtures is an impressive start to their campaign, which they aim to continue into the New Year.