Brentford Under-21s were victorious in their first home game at Wheatsheaf Park in the PDL as they defeated Coventry City Under-21s on Monday afternoon.
In a game of two halves where Brentford controlled the first period, but had to withstand a lot of pressure in the second, the team fought hard to stay ahead as Ashley Hay put young Bees in front early on.
Brentford were looking to put in a better performance following their heavy defeat in their curtain raiser last week.
Neil MacFarlane's side started the game in fine fashion, cutting through their opponents on two occasions as Brentford looked for the opener.
Isaac Holland broke clear after a great ball from Iwan Morgan but the keeper stood strong making a great save.
The opener did not take long though as Ashley Hay beat the keeper to the ball, flicking his header into the net to score the Bees' first goal of the PDL campaign.
An excellent team move almost resulted in a great goal, but the goalkeeper made a good stop to deny Isaac Holland’s left-footed shot.
Brentford U21s were providing a much-improved performance and they should have extended the lead as a great cross into the box found the head of Hay but this time the keeper was placed well to hold onto the effort.
The away side found a bit of momentum and Julian Eyestone was sharp to deny Elliot Betjemann who had a shot from the edge of the box.
Soon after, the boys fashioned a chance of their own as Tony Yogane switched the play excellently to Holland and the latter’s back-heel allowed Iwan Morgan to strike on goal but Luke Bell made the save.
Eyestone was called into action again as from point-blank range he tipped over a shot from Aidan Dausch to ensure the team remained a goal up.
The second half was a much more even half as both sides had chances to affect the scoreline.
The Bees would see out the victory and secure the clean sheet.
The under-21s will next be in action on Tuesday 3 September as they take on Wigan Athletic Under-21s away from home.
Brentford: Eyestone, Holland, Dickov (Shield 88), McManus, Headman, Trialist A, Hay, Brierley, Morgan (Trialist B 86), Yogane (Krauhaus 65)
Unused subs: Booth, Samuels
Coventry: Bell, Perry, Ryan, Di Trolio, Smith, Betjemann, Dausch, Ellard, Yearn (Critchlow-Woyo 79), Finney, Broad (Ambursley 62)
Unused subs: Rachel, Mantle, Stratton