Ashley Cheatley previews Brentford Women's clash at the Gtech | OneFootball

Brentford Women striker Ashley Cheatley knows just how important Sunday's league clash with Bromley Women is, not just in the context of the Bees' season, but for the future of the team.

Cheatley and her team-mates return to Gtech Community Stadium for the London South East Division One North fixture (3pm kick-off GMT), with an eye towards continuing their undefeated start to the league season against their fellow title challengers.

As the table stands, Bromley sit in first place with 14 wins from 16 games. Brentford remain one point behind them in second with two games in hand.

“Playing at the Gtech offers a unique opportunity to grow the fanbase, inspire the next generation and showcase the progress the team has made," explained Cheatley.

"It’s a chance for the squad to build on our momentum and put on another strong performance in front of the home crowd."

Returning to the Gtech is an occasion that naturally excites the players and, for Cheatley, the atmosphere, the experience and the energy of the crowd are all factors that will fuel the team’s desire to put on a show.

“The feeling of playing in front of a big crowd in the stadium is always so surreal. It is genuinely experiences like this that I will never forget and for me and the rest of the girls, we always want to put on a show," she said.

While the squad hasn't spoken about it too much in the build-up, there’s an awareness of how special these moments are. The focus remains on taking things game-by-game, staying composed and making the most of the opportunity.

Cheatley said: “Promotion remains at the centre of everyone’s minds, especially after last season’s near miss. With the additions of some really good players over the course of the season, there’s a real belief that this could be our year.

"The ambition is there. Of course we all want promotion, but we know we have to stay grounded and take it one game at a time. If we focus too much on the bigger picture, we risk losing sight of what’s right in front of us. Every match is an opportunity to prove ourselves and that’s where our focus is."

Cheatley also spoke about what the message from head coach Karleigh Osborne has been, his support and clarity a major boost for the girls.

“Karleigh has been clear in his message: promotion is the goal and that starts with delivering consistent performances in every game. His expectations match those of the players - work hard, play well and keep pushing forward," explained Cheatley.

Last time out

Brentford secured their place in the Capital Cup final last time out, defeating South London 5-0 at Bedfont Sports Club.

After multiple chances were saved in the first half, the Bees went into half-time 0-0 with their opponents. Braces from Chloe Logie and Cheatley in the second half, as well as a long-range free-kick from Alissa Down, ensured that Osborne's side earned the chance to defend their title.

Previously at the Gtech Brentford cruised to a 7-0 league win over Clapton Community. Cheatley scored a hat-trick in her debut at the stadium, with Logie adding a brace in a quality performance from the Bees.

About Bromley

Bromley enter Sunday's clash top of the league table with 14 wins, one draw and one loss.

Their only loss of this season came in September 2024, with Dulwich Hamlet Reserves able to secure a 2-1 victory. Since then, the side has gone undefeated in league action, their only losses coming in cup competitions to Bognor Regis Town and Dartford.

Leen Winner Ekwo has starred up front, her 36 goals across all competitions for Whyteleafe and now Bromley ranking third in the league behind Logie (50) and Cheatley (42).

Tickets are still available.

Media coverage

There will be updates from the game against Bromley on social media, as well as a match report on the club's official website and app.

Away from Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford Women B continue their JGMT Cup run on Sunday as they travel to face Balham Women (2pm kick-off GMT).

The Bees have been in scintillating form in the cup leading up to this quarter-final clash, with Sunday's fixture at Imperial Fields a chance for the side to get back to that form after three straight league defeats.

Last time out

Brentford suffered a 2-0 Greater London Premier Division defeat to Tooting Bec at Bedfont Sports Club last time out.

After 7-0 and 3-0 losses earlier this season to the title challengers, the weekend's effort was an improved one by Yannawit Khantharat's side.

Previously in the JGMT Cup, the Bees cruised to a 5-0 win over Hackney Women's Reserves at Bedfont.

A brace from Chelsie Berry led the way, Elsa Lesnard, Shaniya Mackenzie and Maria Barbosa each netting once in the victory.

About Balham Women

Balham compete in the Greater London Division Two Central and South, with the side currently sixth in the league table with five wins and four losses from their nine games.

They booked their place in the quarter-final with a win over Regents Park Rangers. The sides were even at the end of regulation, Balham able to go through after winning on penalties 4-1.

Evie Roberts has led the charge up front with 10 goals from as many appearances, Poppy Rolfe adding eight goals.