Tom Roberts said he was happy to have contributed to Brentford’s 2-0 Under-18 Professional Development League Two South victory over QPR.

The 16-year-old was making his first ever Youth Team start and produced a fine performance to keep a clean sheet with one crucial save in particular.

Leading 1-0 entering the last 10 minutes, thanks to a James Ferry strike, Tom made an outstanding block save to keep out a Gianni Critchlow effort which proved vital as The Bees went up the other end to make the game safe through Seika Jatta.

Speaking to Bees Player after the match Tom said he was glad to have contributed to what he called a deserved win.

“It was a deserved victory,” said Tom.

“QPR will look back on it and say that we were the better team.

“That is what we have been trying to get into our performances.

“We could have scored more goals as we had many more chances.

“Overall our performance was ok but there could have been a bit more possession of the ball and we gave it away in some sloppy areas.

“As a keeper I thought I player alright.

“It’s the life of the keeper that you are on and off for most of the game.

“For 80 minutes I didn’t have much to do but your concentration has to be on 100 per cent so that when it does come down to the big moment you can make the save.

“With only the 1-0 lead a save at that time of the game was crucial.

“If we had conceded then it would have been 1-1 and it would have been a much scrappier game and I don’t think we would have got a second goal.

“Saves like that are like scoring a goal for a goalkeeper.”

Tom admitted that there was a little bit extra riding on the game, seen as it was a West London derby and said he thought it could have been a tough afternoon to make his debut.

However he praised the protection he got from his back four in helping him keep a clean sheet on his debut.

“I am very pleased with how it went to be fair,” said Tom.

“I thought playing my first game in a local derby against QPR it would be a tough game to start and get in to.

“There are a few rivalries between individual players at QPR and Brentford.

“There was a bit of tension there but we coped with it well.

“We got our lead first and then we started to do what we needed to do.

“We tried to think of it as just another three points but you always have the fact that it is a derby at the back of your head.

“We wanted the three points and played out normal game.

“The back four protected me really well today.

“Tom Field had an amazing game at full-back, Seth Owens was solid as always, Chris Mepham was composed and Audrius Laucys was up and down the flank.

“To have a strong back four in front of you is always a confidence booster so I was happy with how they performed.

“Hopefully they are happy with how I performed as well.”

For Tom this year is all about learning and experience ahead of making a claim for the number one shirt next season.

Tom believes that working with Academy Goalkeeping Coach Jani Viander, a former Finnish International and well renounced coach, has helped him work towards that aim this season.

“This year is all about experience for me,” said Tom.

“I have been in the Under-21s a few times and I want to build up my confidence really.

“I want to push to start every game next year instead of the odd few.

“That is my aim for this year.

“I want to push myself in training this year to be the best that I can.

“There is a good amount of banter in the training group with Jani Viander.

“There is good competition in training and there is an atmosphere that you are fighting for that space on the weekend.

“It is quite competitive during training.

“Jani is a decent coach and he has taught me a lot.

“I am quite a new keeper so it was quite important to get someone in who can teach me a lot in a short space of time and he has done that.”