Joe Maloney said Brentford’s Development Squad were unlucky to lose their Under-21 Professional Development League Two South match to Swansea City.
The Bees were beaten 2-1 in South Wales last night and Joe said he felt they could have come away with at least a point as they passed the ball better than their hosts.
Swansea took the lead in the first half but Brentford equalised when Emmanuel Oyeleke scored from the penalty spot.
The home side won it with nine minutes remaining when Alex Bray reacted quickest to convert when a cross dropped loose.
Joe admitted Brentford lacked a little bit of penetration in attack but did not play badly.
“I think we were unlucky to lose,” he said.
“We could have come away with a point or three.
“We passed the ball better than them and had more of the possession but when we went forward we lacked a bit of penetration around the box.
“When they went forward they looked dangerous.
“They got crosses in the box and shots away.
“Overall it wasn’t a bad performance.”
Joe, normally a midfield player, started the match at right back with Raphaël Calvet, Alfie Mawson and Aaron Pierre making up the rest of the back four.
Swansea started with two quick wingers and a fast central striker and Joe said that was their threat, albeit their only threat.
The Bees changed it with Joe moving to right back and Raphaël Calvet to left back and he said there was more balance.
“They had two quick wingers, that is why we made a few adjustments at the back,” said Joe, speaking to Bees Player after the match.
“That was their threat.
“They didn’t offer much centrally but wide they were a threat.
“The team was more balanced after the changes.
“Raphaël is a natural defender so he went to right back against their left winger.
“I’m not a natural defender so it helped with me at left back.”
Brentford were a goal down at half time but Joe said Development Squad Manager Jon De Souza told them to carry on what they were doing and they would get back in to the game.
Martin Fillo was brought down midway through the second half and Emmanuel Oyeleke converted the spot kick.
Joe said he thought Brentford would win the game at that point but Swansea reacted better to the equalising goal.
“At half time we were told to carry on doing the same things and not get frustrated,” said Joe.
“We were keeping the ball but were getting bored of keeping it and trying to force it.
“We had to keep going and Jon said we would get a goal.
“It was a penalty but we were putting the pressure on.
“Their second goal was a killer; we were on top at the time.
“We came out in the second half and passed the ball.
“They sat off; I think they were tired after pressing us and chasing us.
“At 1-1 I thought we would win.
“Their second killed the momentum.
“I don’t know if we got sloppy but they responded well and came back at us.”
Both Swansea’s goals came from crosses and Joe said The Bees had to look at themselves.
He added that playing at full back in a team that wants to play with them high up the pitch, as per the ideas of Brentford Manager Mark Warburton, was a good role.
“If you get beaten by bright play, they go through and score, you hold your hands up,” he said.
“When goals come from crosses we haven’t cleared, we have to look at ourselves.
“We can improve.
“Mark Warburton wants the full backs to attack high.
“While I was a full back, I was more of a midfield player.
“I was bombing on, Aaron and Raphaël did the same.
“I enjoyed the role; you can bomb forward with freedom.”
Joe has played in a variety of midfield roles this season as well as at full back last night.
He also played in central defence last season.
He said he enjoyed playing in different positions.
“Versatility is definitely important,” said Joe.
“If you look at the First Team, Kevin O’Connor and Alan McCormack can play at right back, centre back or midfield.
“That is what they look for, a player that can play in a number of positions and do a job.
“I will pay anywhere; I just want to be on the pitch.
“I will do my best.
“You get a better understanding of the game playing in more than one position.
“You see it from another point of view.
“I enjoy playing different positions.”
Brentford gave seven more games in the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South left to play.
Joe, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said he wanted to get as much game time as possible and prove his ability.
“We have a run of fixtures now,” he said.
“I just want to get on the pitch and impress.
“We can see what happens from there.
“I need to kick on and show what I am about.
“Hopefully when a decision is made, it will be a positive one.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Joe Maloney here.