Youth Team Manager Jeremy Steele said Brentford’s Under-18 side produced an “excellent” performance in their defeat to Crewe Alexandra on Friday.
The Bees were beaten 3-2 in an Under-18 Professional Development League Two game on an entertaining afternoon that saw both sides reduced to ten men and a last second penalty saved.
Brentford fell behind early on but Fabian Rowe scored twice before 20 minutes had elapsed to put them in front.
Crewe equalised before the break but Brentford dominated after half time without finding the crucial goal.
Brentford goalkeeper Joe Taylor was sent off for handling outside his area and Crewe went ahead moments later.
But the visitors had substitute Dominic Taylor sent off for foul and abusive language and Brentford were awarded a last second penalty.
James Ferry’s spot kick was superbly saved to leave The Bees beaten.
“It was a funny game,” said Jeremy, speaking after the match.
The Youth Team boss said the defeat did not take away from how well Brentford played.
“I thought, especially in the second half, we dominated the game.
“We were all over them and camped in their half for most of the second half.
“They hit us with a sucker punch and got ahead.
“We could have made it 3-3 at the end but I don’t think that takes away from the performance.
“If you score the penalty at the end maybe we come away a little bit happier with a point but it doesn’t change anything about the performance.
“It was an excellent second half performance.
“The first 45 was quite even, our final ball wasn’t the best but we scored two excellent goals.
“We were a bit inconsistent with the final pass.
“We were also a bit inconsistent in the second half but dominated the game; we passed the ball extremely well.
“It’s about performance rather than result and the performance was excellent.
“We came away with a loss but it was pleasing.”
Jeremy said he felt Brentford imposed their philosophy on the match and he was pleased that they did.
“Crewe were more direct than I expected,” he said.
“They came here and did what they needed to do.
“But our philosophy came out.
“We passed it better than them and I’d be surprised if we weren’t ahead in terms of possession stats.
“That’s not the be all and end all but the way we pass is important.
“If you compare the quality of the football, we were ahead.
“We should be pleased.”
Jeremy said he had no arguments with the red card issued to Joe Taylor.
“Their lad was a bit unfortunate,” he added.
“You could say there is no place for four language in the game but if he had picked out a few more he would have shown a few more red cards.
“Joe Taylor’s was a sending off; he stopped a goal scoring opportunity.
“Their coaches have been magnanimous that the striker wouldn’t have got in but I think it was a sending off.”
Brentford’s Under-18 side had won two and drawn one of their last three games, without conceding a goal.
Jeremy said he felt his team were controlling games better as the season went on.
He added the first year scholars, training full time for the first time, were now over an inevitable dip and were strong as the season approached its halfway point.
“Week on week we are seeing more controlled performances,” said Jeremy.
“That is what we ask of the players.
“We controlled 70 minutes today.
“The more they do that the more comfortable they will get controlling games and being on top, not rush things or force things
“Youth football can be end to end, trying to score all the time but First team football is more patient, you need to keep the ball for longer periods.
“Every Under-17 group has a dip in form and energy.
“Full time training is hard.
“It is a tough programme.
“That takes its toll on the first years, they are past that, they are coming back strong.
“They will have a break after Christmas, recharge and hopefully in January we can hit the ground running.”
Brentford play Ipswich Town in another Under-18 Professional Development League Two game next week before a trip to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol City in the FA Youth Cup Third Round on Wednesday December 18.
“It is a big game,” said Jeremy.
“The boys are looking forward to it.
“We have played Bristol City this year and the lads felt they could have got something even though we lost 3-1.
“We have Ipswich before that.
“The lads are strong in to Christmas.
“Everyone is looking forward to it.”
A post-match interview with Jeremy Steele is available here for Bees Player subscribers.