Jon De Souza said he was “happy” with the performance of Brentford’s Development Squad in their win over Millwall.
The Bees picked up a 2-0 win in the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South fixture with Emmanuel Oyeleke and Luke Norris scoring the goals.
Jon said he thought his team were very good when they didn’t have the ball, although not quite as good when they did have it.
He praised the way his team saw the game out after going 2-0 up inside the final 15 minutes after they had conceded late goals and dropped points against Bristol City, Cardiff City and Ipswich Town this season.
“I thought it was OK,” said Jon.
“Out of possession I thought we were very good, I just don’t think we had enough pattern when we had the ball.
“We didn’t dominate the game as I would like us to.
“But I am happy with the way we played, I just always want more.
“The result was good and the clean sheet was nice.
“There have been a lot of games this season with late goals – we conceded two goals in the last ten minutes at Bristol City and let one in late on against Cardiff and against Ipswich.
“We do start games well and I told the players if we take the lead we have to manage the game, we did that quite well.
“This league is good for us.
“Most teams have a go, they try to win.
“That prepares them for the First Team.”
Brentford’s first goal came when Emmanuel Oyeleke curled in a free kick from 20 yards late in the first half.
Luke Norris scored the second when he latched on to an Alfie Mawson pass and bravely headed past the onrushing Millwall goalkeeper Tom Wellham.
Jon said he would have liked his team to convert more of their openings.
“We didn’t take enough chances, and that is a big disappointment for me,” he said.
“I wasn’t particularly pleased with how we played first half but we did have chances.
“We hit the post, the keeper made a couple of saves, there were a few blocks.
“We managed to nick one with a free kick.
“The second goal was excellent.
“You always get concerned at 1-0, the second goal helped.”
The Development Squad line-up was much changed due to a few players being unavailable.
Jake Reeves has gone out on loan to AFC Wimbledon while Antonio German has been named as a substitute for the First Team in recent weeks.
Michael Onovwigun and George Pilbeam, from the Under-18 squad, were named as substitutes but not used as they will play in an FA Youth Cup tie against Brentwood Town on Wednesday.
Courtney Senior, who is in the Under-16 squad, did get some match time.
“We brought in some players that haven’t played and they did very well,” said Jon, speaking to Bees Player after the match.
“We had some scholars on the bench and I didn’t want to use them as they have a big game on Wednesday.
“The idea is to push the Development Squad players on
“The older and more experience ones should be with the First Team, like Antonio German, or out on loan, like Jake Reeves.
“We had Courtney Senior, an Under-16 on the bench.
“Courtney has done well at Under-16 and Under-18 level so we wanted to reward him.”
With reduced numbers, Jon used Luke Norris as a lone striker with Charlie Adams in behind.
Michael Kamau played his first game of the season in central midfield with Emmanuel Oyeleke, who has been used at right back in recent weeks, alongside him.
“I think the system worked well,” said Jon.
“At times we let Millwall have the ball and didn’t get enough pressure up the pitch.
“Luke worked really hard and I like that position for Charlie.
“He can find gaps and is allowed to do more going forward without the responsibility.
“I have been at the Club 14 months and had lost four out of four against Millwall.
“It’s nice to put one right.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Jon De Souza here.