Brentford Under-21s were crowned Professional Development League winners on Sunday afternoon as they drew 2-2 in their final league game of the season against Swansea City Under-21s at Gtech Community Stadium.
The young Bees took the lead thanks to Ethan Laidlaw and, after two goals from the away side, the hosts responded when Romelle Donovan levelled with a powerful free-kick to earn the point they needed to win the title.
The west Londoners made a superb start, taking the lead with their very first attempt on goal. A cleverly rehearsed corner routine paid off as Laidlaw slipped in behind a crowd of players and finished from close range, the ball taking a slight deflection on its way in.
Despite the early pressure from the home side, the young Swans equalised on eight minutes as a fast counter saw Thomas Searle find the onrushing Morgan Bates, who swept the ball into the corner of the net past Julian Eyestone.
The home side remained the team in charge and Donovan was finding joy on the right side of the pitch. The winger went close with a fierce shot, which just went wide of the post.
Laidlaw looked certain to grab his second of the game as he surged towards goal, but a last-ditch tackle from Searle prevented his brace.
Donovan had another effort at goal this time from close range, but Milo Robinson was positioned well to deflect the shot over the bar.
The Swans took the lead early in the second period as Bates grabbed his second of the game, directing a towering header from a corner beyond the reach of Eyestone.
It did not take long for the home side to even the scoreline as Donovan struck a fantastic free-kick on the edge of the box past Joseph Collins in the Swansea net.
The winger could have grabbed his second soon after as his mazy run resulted in a firm shot which was saved well by the feet of Collins.
There was huge pressure being sustained by the Bees on the Swansea goal as Andre Grey smashed a shot against the post.
Josh Stephenson was next to miss a chance as he miscued a header when unmarked in the box following a great delivery from Donovan. Laidlaw also went close but he failed to make contact from a cross into the box.
The game ended in a draw, but that point was enough to secure the PDL title for the Bees.
Brentford will now look ahead to the PDL play-offs as they look to retain their title and be crowned PDL champions.
Saunders' side will return to Gtech Community Stadium on Monday 18 May as they take on PSG U21s in the Robert Rowan Invitational.
Brentford U21s: Eyestone, Wheeler-Henry, McManus, Stephenson (Picotto 90+11), Avenell, Owen, Shield, Bentt, Boni, Donovan (Grey 76), Laidlaw
Subs not used: Tavaziva, Pierre, Mawene
Booked: Avenell 64
Swansea City U21s: Collins, Searle, Ifans (Deacon 62), Robinson, McKenzie, Jones, Pescatore, Griffith, Bates, Perry (Clarke 78), Merlin (Demery 86)
Subs not used: Nowak, Kallicharan
Booked: Ifans 41, Robinson 62, Merlin 75
Saunders: I am really proud of this group
Sam Saunders PDL win 2025/26
Brentford Under-21s head coach Sam Saunders spoke proudly of his side's achievement in winning the PDL title following the 2-2 draw against Swansea City Under-21s at Gtech Community Stadium.
"I am really proud of the group," he said. "I set a challenge at the beginning of the season, and the fact that all those months ago we have been able to maintain our standard and win the league is massive.
"No club is successful by itself, and the fact that they get to do it in front of their friends and family is so good.
"Their families have sacrificed so much across their football careers, so it is good for them to be a part of this too, as they have played massive roles."
"To lead a team, you have to be adaptable and change things over the course of the season, but it is a whole group effort."