Charlie Adams said Brentford’s Development Squad proved they had what it takes to pick up wins in their victory over Bristol City.
The Bees beat the West Country side in their first Under-21 Professional League Two South game of the season yesterday afternoon.
Paul Hayes scored twice, the second a last gasp winner, and Charlie said the late goal was a sign of Brentford’s ability to find a way to win a game.
“It’s the first game,” said the attacking midfield player.
“It was a bit edgy and there are a few nerves.
“I think we did well and showed we can win against a good side.
“We put in a good performance overall.
“In the First Team they always seem to graft out a result, whether it’s the last ten minutes or the 90th minute.
“We have to learn to do it and we showed it today.
“A game of football is there to be won and that is what we did.”
Brentford dominated the early stages and went ahead when Paul Hayes turned home a Luke Norris cross.
City equalised from the penalty spot as Brentford’s levels dropped at the end of the first period.
The Bees had the better of the second half, without the same dominance, but looked set for a share of the spoils when a Luke Norris penalty was saved.
But Charlie fired in a last gasp shot that flicked Paul Hayes and ended up in the back of the net.
“The game was really quick at the start,” said Charlie.
“We dominated the first half and played really well.
“In the second half it was more even; they got back in to it and had a few chances.
“At the end we won, so we are happy.
“It’s the first game so you want to come out of the blocks quickly and show what you can do.
“Sometimes you may rush it and maybe that’s what happened.
“Maybe we didn’t save something.
“We need to learn to be more clinical and finish our chances.
“We had a penalty and a few other chances where the ball was cut back.
“We need to make more of them.
“I think we will have a good season.”
Charlie said he was trying to claim the winning goal but wasn’t worried either way.
“Paul is claiming it but I think you will see I faded it in,” he said with a smile.
“I don’t know if he did touch it.
“We won the game and I will get an assist, it’s good either way.”
Charlie played in an attacking midfield role for the first hour before switching to left wing back.
He said it was difficult to get a lot of the ball as the centre of the field was so congested and said it showed Brentford needed to move the ball quicker to create openings.
“The way we play it can be hard to get on the ball, I found it hard today,” he admitted.
“They played three in midfield as well and it was really condensed.
“In positions like that it is hard to get on the ball.
“There are six players in there and it was a bit congested.
“Sometimes we were a bit slow on the ball.
“We need to keep on moving the ball and the other team.
“We were static at the back when there was no pressure on the ball; we didn’t move it quick enough.”
Charlie spent most of the pre-season period with the First Team.
He travelled to Germany for the pre-season training camp, played in pre-season friendl9ies and was an unused substitute in Brentford’s Capital One Cup win against Dagenham and Redbridge.
Charlie said his aim this season was to play Football League games either for The Bees or out on loan.
“It was a great experience,” said Charlie.
“It was hard physically but I got through it and I feel a lot fitter.
“It was a great experience going to Germany.
“I need to work hard and listen to the coaches.
“The most important thing for me is play First Team games, try and get some experience in the Football League and kick on from there.”
A video interview with Charlie Adams is available here for Bees Player subscribers.