Brentford Women B Draw 2-2 South London Reserves Gunnersbury 2026

Key Points

• Brentford Women B drew 2-2 with South London Reserves in their final Greater London Division One South match at Gunnersbury Park on Sunday.
• Leah Robertson scored in the 38th minute, assisted by Paula Holguin, to open the scoring.
• Holguin added the second goal two minutes later from a long ball by goalkeeper Evie Thorne Ford.
• South London Reserves equalised with two second-half goals: one from a throw-in bounce into the box, the other a 30-yard strike.
• Brentford Women B, already league champions under manager Tommy Ryan-Maynard, finished eight points clear of Hammersmith Reserves.
• Substitutes Esme Alaneme and Karina Hlek entered at half-time; Brentford had late chances cleared off the line, saved one-on-one, and hit the post.
• The game featured fast transitions early, with no goals until late in the first half.

Gunnersbury Park (South London New), May 5, 2026, Reserves on Sunday, concluding their Greater London Division One South season with a point after securing the title earlier. Leah Robertson continued her strong goalscoring form with a first-half strike, while Paula Holguin contributed a goal and an assist, leading 2-0 at half-time. South London mounted a comeback with two quick second-half goals to share the spoils. Tommy Ryan-Maynard’s side ended eight points ahead of second-placed Hammersmith Reserves.

What Led to Brentford Women B’s Opening Goal?

The match began at a brisk pace, with the ball moving rapidly between ends as both teams attacked on the break but failed to test the goalkeepers.

As reported in the official Brentford FC match report, the breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute when Robertson scored.

Holguin pinned her marker during a Brentford throw-in, then used the outside of her boot to pass into Robertson’s path; the forward cut inside and finished into the bottom corner.

Two minutes later, Brentford doubled their advantage. Goalkeeper Evie Thorne Ford launched a long ball that evaded the South London defence.

Holguin took possession, spun, and struck into the net for her goal and assist of the game. This sequence highlighted Brentford’s efficiency in transition, per the Brentford FC account.

How Did South London Reserves Equalise in the Second Half?

At half-time, Brentford introduced substitutes Esme Alaneme and Karina Hlek for fresh legs. However, South London struck first post-interval.

A throw-in bounced into the penalty area and was fired home to reduce the deficit to 2-1, as detailed in the match summary.

One minute later, the scores levelled at 2-2. South London capitalised on a loose ball with a 30-yard strike that beat Thorne Ford’s reach and found the net. These rapid responses shifted momentum temporarily.

What Were Brentford Women B’s Late Chances?

Brentford reacted swiftly, nearly reclaiming the lead three minutes after conceding the second. Boabonay slipped a pass across the box to Alaneme, whose effort was cleared off the line.

Four minutes on, Kasha Petit played Boabonay through one-on-one, but the South London goalkeeper made a superb save.

The Bees gained momentum late. At 79 minutes, Thorne Ford’s long ball reached Georgia Wood, who fed Alaneme; her shot was again denied.

With one minute remaining, Wood rolled past her defender and struck the inside of the post, the ball rolling out for a goal kick as the match ended level.

Who Is Tommy Ryan-Maynard, and What Did This Result Mean for Brentford Women B?

Tommy Ryan-Maynard managed Brentford Women B to the Greater London Division One South title, which they already secured before this fixture.

The draw added one more point to their tally, finishing eight points clear of Hammersmith Reserves in second. Ryan-Maynard, who previously led promotions with the side, returns for spells including this championship campaign, according to Brentford FC announcements and his LinkedIn profile.

This result capped a dominant season where Brentford Women B, under Ryan-Maynard, showed consistency. Earlier matches included wins like 6-1 over Holmesdale Keets to claim the title and 7-0 against South London Laces-Spartans, moving six points clear.

How Did Key Players Perform Throughout the Match?

Leah Robertson’s 38th-minute goal extended her scintillating form, following strikes in prior games like against Fulham U18S and Actonians Thirds. Paula Holguin’s dual contribution mirrored her influence in setups, such as in the Actonians’ drawing.

Evie Thorne Ford’s distribution proved vital, launching the second goal and creating late threats. Esme Alaneme, subbing on, featured in multiple near-misses, aligning with her involvement in prior fixtures. Georgia Wood’s late post-hit nearly clinched victory, consistent with her scoring in Capital Cup ties. Boabonay and Kasha Petit crafted chances, echoing Boabonay’s goals elsewhere.

South London Reserves, as hosts, mounted an effective second-half fightback without named goalscorers in reports, focusing on set-pieces and distance shots.

What Is the Context of Brentford Women B’s Season?

Brentford Women B’s campaign featured highs like the title-clinching 6-1 win and a 7-0 rout, but also draws such as 2-2 with Actonians Thirds, where Robertson and Boabonay scored.

They exited cups, losing 7-2 to Fulham U18S with Robertson and Wood goals, and 2-0 to Leyton Orient in JGMT Cup.

Prior seasons under Ryan-Maynard included promotions and a league win in 2023/24. The side plays home games at venues like Bedfont Sports Club, with this finale at Gunnersbury Park.

The Greater London Division One South includes teams like Regents Park Rangers (4-2 loss earlier) and CB Hounslow United. Brentford’s eight-point margin underscores their dominance.

Background of the Development

Brentford Women B compete in the Greater London Women’s Football League Division One South, a regional tier fostering development. The team, part of Brentford FC’s women’s structure, uses the B side for pathway players. Manager Tommy Ryan-Maynard joined in 2018 as an assistant, leading promotions in 2023/24 from Division One North.

After a break, he returned with assistant Will Blithing, both with a history of success, including 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

The league features local rivals like Hammersmith Reserves, South London teams, and others such as Holmesdale Keets and Actonians. Gunnersbury Park hosts matches, with Bedfont Sports Club as a main venue. This season’s title, secured before the finale, marks continued progress post-relegation bounce-back.

Prediction: Impact on Local Football Enthusiasts and Supporters

This title win and season-ending draw can solidify Brentford Women B’s reputation among west London and Greater London fans, drawing more attendance to future matches at Gunnersbury Park and Bedfont. Supporters of women’s grassroots football may see increased engagement, with players like Robertson and Holguin becoming recognised figures, potentially boosting youth participation.

Rival fans in the division, including those of Hammersmith Reserves, could face heightened competition next season. Local media coverage may expand, aiding visibility for the league. Development players gain exposure, influencing pathways to higher Brentford women’s teams.