Brentford B battled hard but fell short in the contest against Brighton Under-21s on Friday evening. Despite a multitude of chances the young Bees were dealt a major blow as Brighton scored a late winner.

Ashley Hay was the goalscorer on the night, scoring an overhead kick which gave the team momentum as they searched for the winner, however Louis Flower's header from a corner ensured Brighton walked away with the win.

April has seen Neil MacFarlane’s side play a number of behind-closed-doors friendlies, so Friday's game was a welcome return to playing in front of a crowd.

There were starts in the team for Conor McManus and Isaac Holland, both returning from injury lay-offs. There was also a place in the side for Ryan Trevitt who has been on the bench for the first team in recent weeks.

Brentford B had to withstand early pressure in the game as Kamari Doyle had a strike on goal which Ben Winterbottom was sharp enough to react to and swat away from danger.

Ethan Brierley went close from just inside the box but he failed to keep his shot down.

The Bees had their biggest chance of the game and it fell to Hay who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper but dragged his shot wide.

Winterbottom was called into action as he made a sensational stop to deny Marcus Ifill.

The second half saw the away side be awarded a penalty after Flower was fouled by Winterbottom in the box.

Joe Knight stepped up to take it and Winterbottom saved the spot-kick but could do little about the rebound as Knight tucked away at the second time of asking.

The Bees hit back quickly and it was Hay who produced a stunning overhead kick to draw Brentford B level in the game.

MacFarlane's side pushed for a winner and looked like the team most likely to score but it was Flower who rose highest to head home from a corner deep in second-half stoppage-time to give his team the victory.

Brentford B are back in action on Tuesday 23 April as they take on Stockport County's first team at Edgeley Park. Kick-off for that game is scheduled at 7pm. Tickets for this game are still available and can be accessed here.

Brentford B: Winterbottom, Lisbie, McManus (Headman 56), Fredrick, Arthur (Dickov 85), Holland (Urinboev 56), Brierley, Hay, Owen, Trevitt, Yogane (Laidlaw 88)

Subs: Tavaziva, Trialist, Waruih, Booth

Scorers: Ashley Hay 67

Brighton U21s: Reid, Jackson (Gulzar 63), Ifill, Simmonds, Kavanagh, Knight, Peart (Nielsson 46), Mullins, Duffers (Barrington 46), Doyle (Flower 46), Howell

Subs: Albarus, Fisher, McConville, Vickers, Slater

Scorers: Joe Knight 56; Louis Flower 90+3

Missed penalty: Joe Knight 56