Brentford B maintained their perfect start to their Premier League Cup campaign on Friday night as they beat Peterborough United Under-21s at the Lamex Stadium.

The Bees had the lead at the break through Alex Gilbert’s penalty kick before they raced further ahead in the second half through two quickfire goals from Ryan Trevitt. It wasn’t all plain sailing towards the end, though, as the Posh provided a late scare when they netted twice, but the Bees ultimately held out for what was a deserved win overall having created a host of chances.

It was a first half which perhaps lacked some rhythm at times as possession was traded frequently. On five minutes the first attempt came courtesy of Peterborough as Kai Corbett saw his free-kick well saved by Ben Winterbottom in the Brentford goal.

The Bees were then afforded the opportunity to go ahead on seven minutes when Trevitt was fouled in the area. A wonderful first time pass from Angel Waruih found his teammate, who was brought down. Gilbert then stepped up to convert the spot kick and grab his 11th goal of the season in what is quickly becoming an impressive campaign from the captain.

A couple more half chances then fell for the visitors in quick succession around the quarter of an hour mark. A ball chipped into the box saw Val Adedokun nod away but Luke Harris was on the end of it as he shot over. Kellan Hickinson was next to try his luck, this time from the edge of the box, but Winterbottom once again saved well.

Captain Alex Gilbert gave the side the lead on nine minutes

Brentford kept up their threat on the counter a fair bit in the opening period with the pace of Michael Olakigbe a constant threat. Just before the hour mark both Gilbert and Charlie Farr could well have tapped home at the far post but for a Peterborough clearance whilst Adedokun’s slide into the area saw his effort intercepted.

A good chance then fell for the away side as Corbett showed his crossing ability to find Lewis Darlington, but once again Winterbottom was equal to whatever the Posh could throw at him in the opening 45.

Half-time: Brentford B 1 Peterborough United U21 0

The Bees came out with a renewed purpose in the second period and began to really put their opponents under pressure with countless positive moves and free-flowing football as the side looked to maintain their unbeaten run which stretches back to August.

Olakigbe drove down the right on 49 minutes and almost found the net with a low effort towards the near post, but for a smart save from Matthew Laycock.

On 51 minutes the second goal did come and it came from a sustained period of attack. Adedokun’s corner just evaded Nico Jones at the far post before it was recycled by Olakigbe, who drove inside before squaring for Trevitt. The youngster controlled well and slotted home into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal from the centre of the box to make it 2-0.

Just eight or so minutes later it became 3-0 when Winterbottom kicked long. It wasn’t dealt with by the Peterborough back line and Trevitt improvised well to lift the ball over the onrushing Laycock in what was a stunning period from Neil MacFarlane’s side.

Ryan Trevitt keeps up his fine form

Waruih then shot just wide on the hour before Trevitt had a chance for his hat-trick when he ran towards goal under pressure from an onrushing defender before he shot just wide of goal.

Corbett once against threatened the Brentford goal from a free-kick which Winterbottom collected comfortably before Trevitt tried his luck again with an acrobatic effort from a pinpoint cross from Charlie Farr on the right wing.

The Bees then made changes as they looked to see out the win, with a special mention to Aaron Pressley who made his return from a long-term injury to play the final 11 minutes.

As the fourth official signalled for a further four minutes after the 90, the Posh were dealt a lifeline when a mix up in defence eventually led to the ball being played inside to forward player Taylor. The ball then ricocheted up and he was able to get there ahead of Winterbottom to nod home on 91 minutes.

Peterborough looked to use that momentum as they went forward again and won themselves a corner. The set piece was delivered and the striker was there again to nod home to make it 3-2 in an uncomfortable final few minutes for the Bees. Nonetheless, they held out to claim all three points in Group D.

Brentford B: Winterbottom, Farr (Holland, 83) Adedokun, Waruih, Crama, Jones (Pressley, 79) Trevitt (Wilson, 83) Gilbert (Dickov, 69), Olakigbe (Lisbie, 69) Pruti, Syla

Peterborough United: Laycock, Mensah (Bodnár, 46), Thomas, Fernandez (Fox, 60), Powell, Harris (Chiha, 60), McGlinchey, Hickinson, Darlington, Taylor, Corbett.

Subs Not Used: West, Challinor.

Attendance: 153