James Ferry said he really enjoyed the experience of playing in front of a big crowd under lights at Elland Road on Monday despite The Bees 2-1 defeat to Leeds United.
Around 500 fans were present at Elland Road to see the hosts come from behind to win 2-1 against Lee Carsley’s side.
As a Youth Team player James is used to playing his league matches on Saturday mornings in front of small crowds at the training ground and he admitted it was a great buzz to play at a busy Elland Road.
Speaking to Bees Player after the match James said Monday’s match was really good for his development and he really enjoyed the experience.
“It was a great experience to play at Elland Road,” said James.
“It is the best stadium that I have played at and probably the most fans I have played in front of.
“When we walked out for the start of the game we were saying that we were surprised how many people had turned out to watch the match.
“It was a great buzz for us to have people watching in a ground.
“Playing at the back of Jersey Road and then coming to a massive stadium like this where first-teams play week in week out is a massive difference.
“It is something that you need if you want to push on to the first team because it is something that you get every week.”
Brentford took the lead just after the hour through Herson Rodrigues Alves but that lead was cancelled out with ten minutes to go when Dario Del Fabro headed home.
Luke Parkin completed the comeback with four minutes to play as Lee Carsley’s side suffered their first defeat in six matches.
James admitted it was disappointing to let the lead slip especially as Brentford got into positions to extend their advantage.
“There is a bit of disappointment about the result but we are happy with the way that we did play,” said James.
“They had a spell where they got on top but I thought it was quite even overall.
“I thought we had some good individual performances and we did well, as a team, in parts.
“Lee told us to start the game fast otherwise he thought we would be in trouble because of Elland Road.
“In the midfield it was quite tight.
“It was man for man in the first-half but when we went 1-0 up in the second-half they changed to 4-4-2 and it became less congested.
“I didn’t think we had done enough but we were in a good position to try and get three points.
“However you can never be sure against Leeds United.
“It opened up because they were looking to get goals and I thought we could have been a bit more clinical with creating chances.
“We wasted a few chances when we went forward having shots from distance when we could have slid people through.
“We wanted another goal to consolidate the lead.
“When they started winning they changed it back and it got more congested again.”
James, who has captained the Youth Team for large parts of the season, has become something of a regular in Lee Carsley’s Under-21s in recent weeks.
The 17-year-old was a substitute against Barnsley last Monday before playing the full 90 minutes in the last two Development Squad matches.
James feels he has stepped up to Development Squad football well, in no small part helped by having the experience and knowledge of former Republic of Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley to call on when he needs it.
“I think I have stepped up well in certain parts,” said James.
“There are physical parts where I need to get better but that will come with time and playing more minutes.
“I feel like I have done well.
“There isn’t much more you can ask for than to have a coach who has played in the Premier League in your position.
“You can use him for everything if you have any problems.”
Monday’s match was the Development Squad’s third match in a week and James admitted that started to take its toll late on against Leeds United.
This weekend sees both the Youth Team and Development Squad at home in league action.
The Under-18s can wrap up the league title with a win on Saturday while the Under-21s entertain Nottingham Forest at Griffin Park on Saturday afternoon.
After a couple of days rest to recover from their recent exertions the players will be back in on Thursday and James is looking forward to more game time this weekend, whatever team he is in.
“I have found the last week ok to be fair,” said James.
“Maybe towards the end of the game today I got a bit leggy and a bit tired.
“I only played a half against Barnsley and then played 90 against Cardiff City and I thought I did well fitness wise in both of them.
“Towards the end of this game I started to feel it a bit but now we have a Tuesday and Wednesday off.
“We will get back in on Thursday ready for Saturday’s games.
“Depending on what game I plan in I am looking forward to both of them.
“I will either be playing to try and win the league for the Under-18s or playing another stadium game for the Under-21s.”