Read: Bees taking 'ruthless and fearless' mindset into FA Cup tie | OneFootball

Brentford Women defender Samantha Read says the side will take their 'ruthless and fearless' mindset into Sunday’s FA Cup first round clash with Ascot United.

For a second-consecutive season, the Bees will host a first round tie at Bedfont Sports Club (3pm kick-off), with the club eyeing their first ever appearance in the second round of the competition.

To do so, Brentford will need to beat a side ranked higher than themselves in the English football pyramid, however the Bees back themselves to challenge Ascot, according to Read and midfielder Sophie Troth.

“I think the main thing is, regardless of the team that we’re facing, [we know] there is a chance and we just need to back ourselves and have confidence,” said Read.

“One thing Karleigh [Osborne] always says to us is to be ruthless and fearless; that’s kind of what we’ve done since the start of the season.

“Obviously they [Ascot] are currently undefeated as well, so it’s going to definitely be a challenge - one we probably haven’t faced yet other than the games we had in pre-season.

“We know they score lots of goals as well, so particularly for myself and the defenders it’s going to be a challenge, but one we’re definitely going to thrive in.”

While aware of the threats that Sunday's opponents possess – Ascot remain unbeaten and are top of the Southern Region Women's Football League Premier Division with a goal difference of +23 – Read said Brentford’s focus would be on themselves.

“I think a lot of the preparation we have at the moment is focusing on us and making sure we’re doing the right things, because we know we are a difficult team to break down," explained Read.

“But also [it's about] being adaptable at the same time so we’ve got different outlets that we can execute; making sure that we’re tight at the back, we’re tight in the midfield and letting [Chloe] Logie and [Ashley] Cheatley do their thing up top.”

Last season’s first round clash with Southampton provided one of the highlights of the season, Osborne’s side fighting back from 3-0 down to level the game early in the second half, eventually losing 4-3 in extra-time.

Troth said while the result didn’t go the Bees’ way, the noise from the fans left a lasting impact on the team.

“We always rewatch that video when Nikki [Woods] scored that goal and the whole crowd went mental, that was one of the best feelings I think we’ve ever felt,” added the Bees midfielder.

“After every game, they’re [the fans] asking for our autographs and pictures. It really does help and it brings us motivation to want to do well, for us but for them as well because they’re dedicating their time to come and watch us.

“We really do feel the fans that are there and the support. You might not realise it as a fan, but for us players, we really do hear the noise and it does motivate us to do well.”

Returning to the FA Cup first round for a second successive season, Read hopes the Bees can to tap into some of the 'magic' associated with the competition, while also revealing who she'd like to face should Brentford progress further into the tournament.

“I was obviously watching the FA Cup when I was younger on the men’s side but also the women’s side is now getting broadcast and televised more; it’s so special the fact that we’re at that level now,” said Read.

“It’s always a bit of extra magic obviously [in] the FA Cup, so we’re hoping we’re going to use some of that magic ourselves to go as far as possible.

“The people at work want [to face] Arsenal. That’s a fair few games off and I don’t know how I feel about marking Alessia Russo, to be fair.

“If we go into the third round, I believe Championship teams come in and then [in the] fourth round, the WSL teams come in. That’s in the future, our main focus is this Sunday and getting that win.”