Brentford Under-21s cruised to victory in their final game of 2024 beating Bournemouth Under-21s by three goals to nil.
Ben Krauhaus was first on the scoresheet and Ashley Hay back in the starting line-up grabbed a brace to seal the victory.
Neil MacFarlane’s side played their final game of 2024 at Wheatsheaf Park against Bournemouth U21s this evening.
The young Bees were looking for their sixth straight win in all competitions and avoiding defeat, would mean that the boys would have last lost a league game in September.
The home side began the game in confident fashion, having already defeated the Cherries in the Premier League Cup last month, it was evident that the side from west London, wanted to make another statement against their opponents.
The young Bees started the brighter of the two sides and were rewarded, as a dangerous Isaac Holland cross was parried into the path of Ben Krauhaus, who had the simple job of placing the ball in the corner of the net.
A great Tony Yogane cross found the head of Ashley Hay but the striker’s shot was straight at Callum McKenna.
Despite the away side’s possession, it was MacFarlane’s side having the chances and Iwan Morgan was next to go close as McKenna provided a great save to deny the attacker.
Hay then put a strong header wide from a corner as the boys looked for a second.
Morgan should have found the back of the net as he collected the ball following a loose touch from a Bournemouth defender, but McKenna made the stop one-on-one against Morgan.
The tide had completely turned in favour of the side from west London and the lead was doubled as Hay cushioned a header past the goalkeeper following a cross from Tony Yogane.
It could have been three quickly after the second as Hay knocked down a header into the path of Morgan but his first-time volley was deflected just wide from Archie Harris.
Reggie Rose was called into action for the first time, as he made a great reaction save to deny Kian Tydeman in the second period.
Morgan then had a shot from just outside the box which required a great save from the Bournemouth goalkeeper.
Yogane had the chance to get a third and a goal to add to his assist but the winger’s header under pressure at the back post went over the bar.
Morgan should have provided our third late on as he had another one-on-one opportunity but again McKenna got the better of him making a good stop.
With the plethora of chances created, the third finally came as Hay grabbed his brace, flicking a header past the onrushing goalkeeper.
Brentford end the year 2024 in the league with nine wins, two draws and three losses. The young Bees are also the second highest goalscorers in the league.
Brentford: Rose, Fredrick, Arthur, Ji soo, Stephenson, Brierley, Morgan (Lisbie 87), Holland (Williams 87), Krauhaus (Dickov 87), Hay (Shield 90+1), Yogane (Laidlaw 87)
Booked: Stephenson 77
Bournemouth: McKenna, Mottoh, Harris, Winterburn (Williams 46), Walters (Dacosta Gonzalez 65), Kinsey (Gregory 46), Clarke, Brown, Tydeman (Day 79), Silcott-Duberry, Rees-Dottin
Unused subs: Allan
Booked: Mottoh 44
MacFarlane pleased with win to end 2024
Reaction: Neil MacFarlane on Bournemouth win
Brentford Under-21s head coach Neil MacFarlane was rapt with his side's performance in their 3-0 win over Bournemouth Under-21s.
The win continues the young Bees' superb run, their last league loss coming in September.