Brentford B kicked off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign with a narrow 3-2 defeat against Slough Town in an entertaining evening fixture at Arbour Park.

Two trialists were on the scoresheet for the young Bees, with Trialist C firing the visitors ahead early on before Trialist G netted after the break to temporarily restore the lead. Both took their goals well in what was a valuable opportunity to impress the coaching staff in a competitive setting.

The young Bees started brightly and were rewarded inside five minutes when Trialist C capitalised on a defensive mix-up to slot home confidently into the bottom corner.

Slough responded with a spell of pressure and found their equaliser before the break, as their forward converted from close range following a well-worked move.

There were wholesale changes made at half-time as expected, as 11 new players were introduced, and it was Trialist G who made an early impact, finishing from close range to restore Brentford’s advantage.

The Bees looked to hold firm but were undone by two quick-fire goals from the hosts midway through the second half, which ultimately sealed the result for the home side.

New signing Mawene nearly drew the sides level with a dazzling solo run, only to see his shot whistle inches past the post.

Despite the defeat, it was a valuable outing for Saunders’ side, featuring a mix of Under-18s, trialists, and a competitive debut for Mawene as preparations for the new season continue.

The B team are next in action on Saturday 19 July as they take on an unnamed opponent.

Brentford B: Wolfheimer (Trialist E 46), Shield (Trialist F 46), Trialist A (Ogungbemi 46), Asemokhai (Headman 46), Avenell (c) (Klimas 46), Trialist B (Honor 46), Bobb-Semple (Trialist G 46), Trialist C (Ouattara 46), Boni (Laidlaw 46), Bentt (Trialist H 46), Trialist D (Mawene 46).