Brentford Under-18s fell to a 1–0 defeat against Millwall at Calmont Road in the U18s Professional Development League on Saturday morning, with an early own goal deciding a scrappy contest in difficult conditions.
Aidan Golding’s misfortune inside the opening five minutes ultimately settled the game, with heavy rain and a challenging pitch making it tough for either side to build any rhythm. The young Bees pushed to find a way back but struggled to create clear openings in a match affected heavily by the weather.
Millwall went ahead with their first opportunity, as a threatening corner delivery deflected off Golding and found its way into the net.
On 26 minutes, the Bees created their first chance when Coran Madden was sent through on goal, but Caspar Lindner produced a strong save to keep him out. The rebound dropped to Jovan Kasujja, whose effort was then cleared off the line.
Beau Redknapp was next to try his luck and his deflected shot only just went over the bar.
On 33 minutes, Redknapp’s late run into the box ended with a scuffed effort towards goal but, with the keeper unsettled, the shot was cleared off the line by a Millwall defender.
Second-half substitute Yerime Ouattara went close to levelling the scores as his half-volley had to be saved by Lindner.
It was a scrappy second period as chances were few and far between, but Otis Honor went close as he struck a fierce shot on goal which the goalkeeper held on to well.
The final sight of goal for the west Londoners fell to Staitham Bowen, who headed just wide following a Honor free-kick.
The game would end in defeat for Brentford as Millwall were content with holding onto their lead for most of the second period.
McDermott's side will play next on Saturday 6 December as they take on Bournemouth in league action at Wheatsheaf Park.
Millwall: Lindner, Payton, Dixon (Adeniji 79), Vieira, Parkes (Debell 49), Snelgrove, Anderson, Jacome, Wright, Beckwith, Thomas-Smith (Ewuze 46)
Subs not used: Ndikum, Hamman-Chanes
Booked: Debell 59, Vieira 74
Brentford: Nicholls, Fanoiki (Trimboli 63) Ogungbemi (Oladapo-Gamu 73) Golding, Bowen, Honor, Hanson (Y.Ouattara 56) Redknapp, Bobb-Semple, Kasujja (Owusu 63), Madden
Subs not used: Lyon
Booked: Honor 40, Ogungbemi 71, Trimboli 76