Alfie Mawson said he was “very happy” to score the winning goal as Brentford’s Development Squad beat Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Bees were 2-1 victors in an Under-21 Professional Development League Two South game yesterday afternoon.
They fell behind in the first half but Charlie Adams levelled it up.
Alfie, up from the back, bundled home the winner when Brighton couldn’t clear a corner.
Alfie’s goal was his third of the season but he said it meant more as it was the winner.
“We did well overall,” said the defender, speaking to Bees Player after the match.
“We should have had a few more goals, if we had been more clinical in front of goal.
“Their goal was against the run of play.
“It was a blow; we were going well and let one in.
“We got a goal back and it was nice to nick a goal myself.
“When it is the winning goal it is a bit better.
“I am very happy.
“I like Charlie’s crosses; we work on it a lot in training.
“We have been doing it since the Youth Team days; he put them on my head.
“We have a telepathic thing.
“He puts it where you want it ten out of ten.
“It is there to attack; thankfully I got on the end of one.”
Alfie talked BeesPlayer through his goal.
“Charlie was whipping them in and I was heading to the back post,” he said.
“He hit this one and the wind caught it.
“They failed to clear it and I was in the right place.
“I threw myself at it and it went in.
“They all count.”
Brentford had been on top for most of the match but Brighton finished well.
They pressed hard for the equaliser and Brentford’s defence had to work hard to keep them out.
Brentford Manager Mark Warburton wants his team to keep pushing on for goals when ahead, which Alfie said was a change being passed down the Club.
He said with the conditions – driving wind, heavy rain, wet pitch – The Bees had to find the right balance.
“Over the past few years we have tried and manage the game and kill it off,” said Alfie.
“Mark Warburton wants it to be done differently and keep attacking.
“I think you have to be sensible, not naïve dribbling around your penalty area.
“Especially with the weather like it was today.
“The points are massive but development is bigger.
“In First Team football the points is all important.”
Alfie said the conditions were part of parcel of football.
“It started raining 15 minutes in to the second half,” he said.
“We weren’t too worried about that but it started getting a bit cold.
“The hail was coming down, that was powerful.
“I am sure the referee kept playing to see us suffer.
“It is part and parcel of football.”
Brentford had not won in the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South since the end of September.
Alfie said professionals had to win and it was important for Development Squad players to find the balance between winning and developing.
“I think it is important to win,” he said.
“It is good to get three points.
“That is what it is all about when you are a professional.
“It doesn’t matter how you win, you have to win.
“If you can play well and win it is a bonus.
“The winning mentality makes you better.
“We have to find the balance between winning and developing.”
Alfie spent time out on loan at Skrill South Maidenhead United this season,
Over the Christmas period he was at Skrill Premier Luton Town.
Alfie only played one game for Luton but he said it was still a good experience for him.
“The last few months have been a learning curve,” said the defender.
“Luton were flying, they are still flying now.
“They are top and look like they will win the league.
“They are a really good side, full of winners.
“It was a good experience.
“I had some bad luck, I started my first game, got injured, was cup-tied for some games and the team was winning.
“No manager would change a team that is winning and a defence keeping clean sheets.
“I don’t expect that and I would be annoyed if I was dropped in that situation.
“It was a good experience being in a team pushing for promotion.
“I enjoyed it.”
Alfie’s Development Squad contract expires at the end of the season.
He said he wanted to go out on loan again to try and get more First Team football.
He added that he wanted to stay with Brentford past the end of the season but was not narrow minded about looking elsewhere if he needed to.
“I hope to get back out on loan and get more men’s football,” said Alfie.
“I am working really hard and I want to succeed here but if I have to move I will.
“I like the way Brentford play.
“If I am performing, that is all I can do.
“My contract is up in the summer and I hope to stay in the game.”
Full post-match reaction from Alfie Mawson is available here for Bees Player subscribers.