Brentford Under-18s were narrowly beaten 2-0 by Charlton Athletic in the Professional Development League at Jersey Road on Saturday morning.
Despite the outcome, the west Londoners fashioned a number of opportunities during the contest, with both Naeem Giscombe and Jacob Hanson going close, but neither were able to find the net.
It was a fast start from the home side as they looked to score an early goal, and Jai Nwosu was presented with the first opportunity as he was played in on goal, but he could not find the finish as the goalkeeper made a great stop.
Despite shading the opening moments of the game, the away side grew in confidence and they pounced on a loose pass out of the back from the Bees. After a series of good passes, Rayon Richman did well to beat his man and finish from a tight angle.
Brentford were still in the contest, and a good passage of play saw Giscombe show good strength and composure to fend off his opponent and poke a shot towards goal, which was kept out well by Logan Williams.
Felix Lyon was called into action in the early moments of the second period, as he had to palm away a firm Shia-Lee Burnham shot
On 67 minutes, McDermott's side looked certain to score as Giscombe fired on goal, but Williams made a big stop to deny the winger. The rebound fell to Hanson, but he could not sort out his feet with the goal gaping.
The result was settled on 76 minutes as Shia-Lee Burnham added a second for the Addicks against the run of play, holding off his man before finishing past Lyon.
Saturday's defeat means that Brentford lost their first game of 2026 in the U18s PDL South.
The west Londoners are next in action on Saturday 7 February as they take on Millwall at Wheatsheaf Park.
Brentford: Lyon, Fanoiki, Ogungbemi, Oladapo-Gamu, Cohalan, Redknapp (Danso 46), Giscombe, Hanson, Kasujja (Lawal 80), Bansoodeb (Ouattara 60), Nwosu
Unused subs: Nicholls, Balogun
Booked: Danso 90+5
Charlton: Williams, Adekunle, Burke (Tagoe 61), Muvhuti, Elliott, Raymen-Dawkins, Thomas (Randall 83), Belton, Burnham, McMillan (Podgorny 70), Richman (Charalambou 83)
Unused subs: Woodham
Booked: Williams 82