Brentford Development Squad Manager Jon De Souza said he was pleased with the performance of his team in their Under-21 Professional Development League two South loss to Swansea City.
The Bees were beaten 2-1 in South Wales last night, their first defeat of 2014.
Swansea went ahead in the first half and took that lead in to half time, although Jon, speaking to Bees Player after the match, said he felt his side had the upper hand in the first 45 minutes.
Emmanuel Oyeleke equalised from the penalty spot midway through the second half but Swansea won it late on.
Jon said his team did not kick on after they levelled and were punished.
“I was pleased with the overall performance,” he said.
“I think we could have shown more creativity in playing forwards and creating chances but I think we were slightly the better team in the first half, although they probably looked more of a threat in the final third, and I think we dominated patches of the second half without ever really opening them up.
“Both teams had periods in the first half when they were on top.
“They started better, in the first ten to 15 minutes.
“We grew in to the game but had patches too.
“I felt we were the better side in the first half, although only slightly.
“Second half, for the first half hour we dominated.
“Then we scored.
“We didn’t really kick on.
“Maybe we got comfortable.
“Swansea reacted to the goal.
“Until we scored we were having 20 to 30 passes in their half and getting on top.
“After we scored Swansea got on top and ultimately punished us.”
Swansea started with three players in behind a quick lone striker and their wide players troubled The Bees with their pace.
Brentford started with Raphaël Calvet and Alfie Mawson in the centre of defence and Joe Maloney and Aaron Pierre at full back and Jon said he had to make changes.
The defence of Raphaël Calvet, Alfie Mawson, Aaron Pierre and Joe Maloney was better, Jon said, but he admitted Brentford needed to be better in both penalty areas.
“We struggled for the first 20 minutes defensively,” said Jon.
“I made two changes to try and deal with that.
“That was their threat, in behind us, especially when we gave the ball away.
“They tried to use the pace of their wingers to get in behind us.
“We were better in the second half but were vulnerable on the break.
“I think a draw would have been fair overall.
“I think we were the better team but they created more chances.
“Outside both boxes, I am happy.
“We need to tighten up in both boxes.”
Brentford played the 4-3-3 system the First Team have employed for most of the season and Jon said Swansea’s formation, with two deep lying midfield players, matched them up.
He said he felt his team won their individual battles but conceded two goals from crosses, which they need to improve.
“The systems were man for man,” explained Jon.
“That makes it simple; the players have to be better than the player they play against.
“That makes it less for a tactical battle.
“It is tough.
“I think we won the battles but in both boxes we could have been better.
“We didn’t defend the first goal well enough, out wide or tracking the runners.
“My view of the second goal was obstructed; I saw the cross but not what happened.
“We have to do better than concede two goals from crosses.”
Brentford currently have four Development Squad players out on loan.
Charlie Adams is with Barnet and Josh Clarke is at Braintree Town while Alfie Mawson is at Welling United and Luke Norris is at Dagenham and Redbridge.
Jon said it was possible there might be a chance for more young players to go out but it would have to be the right move.
“Charlie Adams played half an hour for Barnet on Saturday and did well,” said Jon.
“I will watch him tomorrow.
“It is a good move for him.
“Like Alfie and Josh, he is at a Conference club and not guaranteed to start.
“They have to take an opportunity, force their way in to the team and be good enough to stay there.
“Hopefully they can learn and come back better players.
“Alfie will be involved on Saturday, Charlie and Josh tomorrow.
“Luke is also out at Dagenham.
“One or two more might go out.
“We want them to get the experience but it has to be the right club at the right level.
“If it is, we will do it.”
Full post-match reaction from Jon De Souza is available here for Bees Player subscribers.