In-form Watford Women made it seven successive victories with a 2-0 win over London Bees to keep up the pressure at the top of the FA Women’s National League Southern Division and put them in strong shape for their bid to win the League Cup next weekend.

Goals in either half from Bianca Baptiste and Poppy Wilson at Grosvenor Vale secured the triumph, meaning the Golden Girls remain a point behind leaders Oxford United with two matches of the season remaining.

One of those is the yet to be arranged fixture against an Oxford side who have a game in hand, but they also have to travel to third-placed Ipswich Town, who are level on points with Watford, so the promotion race is set to go to the wire.

The Hornets’ immediate focus now switches to facing Northern Premier Division leaders Nottingham Forest in the National League Cup Final at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3.30pm).

There were few chances in a first half that saw the Bees on the front foot, although Dre Georgiou did try an ambitious effort from 35 yards.

Watford needed a spark and Baptiste provided it in the 38th minute, skipping infield before lashing a left-footed finish into the top corner to give the hosts the lead.

Head coach Damon Lathrope introduced Gemma Davison at half-time in an attempt to give Watford more attacking impetus.

It had the desired effect in the early stages of the second period, with the substitute slicing a volley narrowly over, before Sophie McLean was also off target with another attempt.

Araya Dennis and Helen Ward were introduced with 20 minutes remaining and the former went close to giving her side a second goal with a strike which hit the woodwork.

The 17-year-old continued to cause the Bees problem, with Shauna Vassell sent off for a second yellow card after fouling the substitute.

Wilson made the points safe four minutes from time when she regained possession after Ryah Vyse had intercepted a Baptiste pass and beat keeper Marie Hourihan with a fine strike.