Brentford B battled to a 2–1 victory over Luton Town Under-21s at Wheatsheaf Park in the Premier League Cup, as goals from Isaac Holland and Andre Grey were enough to secure progression to the next stage. The match also saw first-team involvement, with Benjamin Arthur, Matthew Cox, Yunus Emre Konak and Paris Maghoma all featuring.

The result secures the west Londoners’ place in the knockout stages of the competition. Although the final standings in Group E remain undecided, with West Bromwich Albion still having two fixtures to play, Sam Saunders’ side have guaranteed their place in the next round.

The home side started in dominant fashion, asserting control early as play was largely based in the opposition’s half.

Maghoma registered the first effort of the match, gliding past an initial challenge before curling a shot on target that was tipped around the post by Charlie Booth.

On five minutes, Brentford took the lead through a well-worked corner routine, as Holland peeled off his marker to slot home the opener.

The Bees continued to press and were unfortunate not to extend their advantage soon after, as Holland again found himself involved, rising highest to meet Maghoma’s cross but he was unable to steer his header into the net with the goal gaping.

After the blistering start from the west Londoners, Luton Town did settle into the game without testing Matthew Cox though.

The second period saw the home side awarded a penalty as Grey was tripped in the penalty area. Holland stepped up to grab his second but his attempt was saved, the rebound fell to Konak but Booth unbelievably saved again to deny the home side a second goal.

The away side grew in confidence following Brentford's penalty miss and they levelled the scores through Jamie Odegah who was found unmarked in the penalty as he guided his header into the roof of the net.

The response from Saunders' side was almost instant as Grey found space in the penalty area, turning away from his man before slotting calmly past Booth to put his side back in front.

The home side were living dangerously in the closing moments of the game and Charlie Tristram skied a shot from close range when he should have at least hit the target.

On 90 minutes, second-half substitute Michel Boni was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.

The game would end with Brentford taking the three points.

The victory confirms the Bees’ place in the Premier League Cup knockout stages, with 12 points from six matches. While top spot in the group is still to be decided, with West Bromwich Albion having two games remaining, Saunders’ side are assured of their place in the next round of the competition.

Brentford: Cox, Avenell, McManus, Arthur (McKnight 62), Stephenson, Konak, Shield, Grey, Holland (Olakigbe 62), Maghoma, Pierre (Boni 46)

Subs not used: Picotto, Mawene

Booked: Cox 30, Konak 66, Boni 84

Red card: Boni 90+1

Luton Town: Booth, Ioannides, Evans, Isufi (Shepherd 70), Paternoster, Sampson, Trustram (Gawel 86), Lorentzen-Jones, Odegah, Stitt, Fox

Subs not used: Joy, Coyne, Frimpong-Kwakye

Booked: Fox 26

Saunders wants side to build on 'consistency'

Brentford Under-21s head coach Sam Saunders reflected on his side's hard-fought 2-1 win over Luton Town at Wheatsheaf Park.

“It was a tough game but I think we made it tough. There were moments in the game where we could have stepped up the intensity but we did not. At this level it is all about the performance levels and despite the victory, I do not think we hit those heights but we will debrief tomorrow and speak on the areas where we can improve.”

Saunders also highlighted the need for consistency as that is what will help the team heading into the new year..

“I just want us to build on consistency, not just results but in performance. I have an honest group of lads, no one will say they had their best game but I am pleased that we got the result. It is important to analyse the areas where things can improve as that is how we will get better.”

"We have two good competitions where we can compete, the league and the cup now and it is a good platform to showcase our ability as we head into the new year.”