Joe Maloney put his long range strike for Brentford’s Development Squad in their Under-21 Professional Development League Two South win over Cardiff City down to “instinct”.
The midfield player lashed in a 20-yard volley to ensure Brentford took the points in the game, played yesterday afternoon at Griffin Park.
They had gone ahead in the first half when trialist Aaron Green scored just before the break.
Joe latched on to a half cleared cross from Josh Clarke and volleyed the ball in with his left foot.
Brentford held on to their 2-0 lead and took the points.
Joe said it was nice to score, especially as it gave The Bees the win after they had lost half time leads in recent defeats to Charlton Athletic, Bristol City and Millwall.
“It was more instinct than anything else,” said the midfield player.
“It dropped to me and I chested it down.
“I was going to pass it but it fell under my body and it was on my left foot.
“I swung at it and it went in the top corner.
“I don’t score many.
“It is nice to get on the score sheet.
“We mentioned at half time that we didn’t want to lose the lead like we had at Millwall, Charlton, Bristol City.
“We did that.
“We won the first half and we won the second half.
“We did our job.”
Joe was one of the older players in an inexperienced team.
There were only four professionals in the line-up – Emmanuel Oyeleke, known as Manny, Raphaël Calvet, Josh Clarke and Joe – with the rest of the team featuring trialists and Youth Team players.
He said Brentford stuck to their plan and his job, in front of the defence, stopped Cardiff playing.
“Manny, Raphaël, Josh Clarke and I were the older boys,” said Joe.
“We had to help the young players, communicate and make sure they got through the game.
“They did it well, I don’t think they needed our help.
“We stuck to our plan, we stopped them playing.
“We restricted them playing through the middle.
“We did well to stop them playing.
“I would screen the strikers and stop that.”
Joe said losing games in the way Brentford’s Development Squad had in recent weeks was “horrible”.
He said the players and coaching staff had discussed why they were losing half time leads and addressed it against Cardiff.
“It is hard going in 2-0 up at half time at Millwall and losing 3-2,” said Joe.
“It is horrible.
“To come away with a win and a clean sheet is good.
“We have started games well and not carried on.
“We had a meeting this week about why that was happening.
“We addressed it today.
“We tried to put them on the back foot, we have to earn the right to play.”
Brentford have two Under-21 Professional Development League Two South games remaining this season and Joe said he wanted to build on a “very good” performance against Cardiff.
“We want to play well in the next two games and win them,” he said.
“Today we did both.
“I think it was a very good performance today.
“Considering we had a young squad, two trialists, against the team top of the league.
“Two goals, win both halves and a clean sheet, I don’t think we can do much more.”
Joe said Brentford’s Development Squad players were “delighted” for Charlie Adams, who had recently been promoted to a First Team contact.
He said it spurred the others on.
“We are delighted for him,” said Joe.
“It spurs everyone on.
“When you see someone get an opportunity, you realise it could be you.
“It makes you want to work harder.
“We are happy for him and want to do what he has done.”
Full post-match reaction from Joe Maloney can be seen here by Bees Player subscribers.