Sam Saunders dissected Brentford Under-21s first league loss of the season following their 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United. “There was some good bits and there was some not so good bits … the character can never be questioned with the lads, they kept going, kept fighting at 2-0 down,” he said. “Brilliant goal from Ethan (Laidlaw) that was thoroughly deserved with his work ethic that he gave on the day.” I really liked the Under-18 boys that came on, Luka (Bentt) and Michel (Boni), they gave us energy, they gave us enthusiasm, they were front footed … and that’s a minimum requirement in this football club. It’s disappointing because obviously you never like losing football games, but it’s opportunities to learn and we keep pushing forward.
Out of the break it was Sheffield United who started the better of the two sides, the young Blades doubling their lead inside two minutes. A cut-back found Beattie close to goal, the striker made no mistake from close range. Aston had a chance to make it three for the visitors soon after as the ball came to him near the penalty spot, but his effort sailed over the bar. Hungry to wrestle back momentum, Saunders’ side enjoyed a positive five minutes with multiple counterattacks, none able to be finished off with a goal. As the hour-mark approached, Eyestone was called into action twice, making two clutch saves. Marshall Francis won the ball back for the visitors deep in Brentford’s half, earning a one-on-one chance with Eyestone. The Brentford goalkeeper stepped towards him positively and made a superb save. Soon after Nwachukwu had a look on goal from the left side of the box, Eyestone again able to keep the ball out to keep the game at 2-0. The young Bees continued to press as they eyed a first goal. Morgan had a shot from outside the box blocked, as did Olakigbe minutes later as he fired a powerful strike goalward. Substitute Michel Boni had an impact immediately after coming on as the Under-18 forward was taken down inside the box, however no penalty was awarded. Entering the final 10 minutes of the game Laidlaw refused to quit, the forward taking possession on the left side of the box and tucking home a superb finish into the bottom right corner to pull one back for the hosts. The momentum remained with the young Bees as they eyed an equaliser late on. Despite their efforts, it was Sheffield United who pounced on a late chance, Francis able to work his way past the Brentford defence and tuck home a nice finish.
Brentford U21s: Eyestone, Shield (Asemokhai 90+7), Stephenson, Avenell, Headman, Konak (Bentt HT), Donovan (Boni 62), Owen, Morgan, Laidlaw, Olakigbe (Mawene 75)
Subs not used: Wolfheimer
Booked: Boni 90+14
Sheffield United U21s: Faxon, Polendakov, Waldron, Baptiste, Sasnauskas, Easton (Asante-Boakye 78), Francis, Aston (Giggs 76), Beattie, Hampson, Nwachukwu (Atherton 68)
Subs not used: Grainger, Okyere
Booked: Beattie 17, Aston 28