Josh Laurent described the performance of Brentford’s Development Squad in their Under-21 Professional Development League Two defeat to Charlton Athletic as “up and down”.
The Bees were beaten 3-2 in the end-of-season clash on Friday.
Josh admitted Brentford started poorly, they concede early on and trailed 1-0 at half time.
But they fought back to turn the game around and led 2-1 midway through the second half thanks to goals from Kyjuon Marsh-Brown and Tyrell Miller-Rodney.
Charlton, however, scored straight from kick-off when Brentford failed to defend the long ball forward and then won it at the end.
Josh, speaking to Bees Player, said The Bees struggled to cope with Charlton’s 3-4-1-2 system early on but had the better of it once they got to grips with it.
However, defensive errors cost them the game.
“Our performance was up and down,” said Josh.
“We started off poorly and defensively we were vulnerable.
“We were a lot better in the second half but we dropped off after the goal.
“It was up and down.
“We were struggling to play out at times but we got wider and started switching the ball.
“We didn’t concede goals from good play, it was defensive errors.
“It is something we have to improve on.”
Brentford had a young team out and Josh was one of only five professionals who started the match.
He captained the side and said he felt extra responsibility.
“When we were down, I had to try and get us going,” said Josh.
“I felt that responsibility and wanted to take charge.
“When we were on top I wanted to try and make sure we stayed there.
“I couldn’t do that.”
Josh said Brentford had to improve at both ends of the pitch.
He said The Bees had dominated against Charlton twice in three days but had only earned one points thanks to a 1-1 draw at The Valley.
“We were pleased with the chances we created,” said Josh.
“We always create good chances.
“We played them earlier in the week and could have killed them off.
“It was the same here.
“If our final ball was better, we’d have scored lots of goals.
“There are some clear cut chances that we have to score and it kills the game.
“It also makes the job at the other end easier.
“But we have to defend better as well.”
Josh joined The Bees from Queens Park Rangers in January and has played 12 Under-21 Professional Development League games since his arrival, scoring four goals.
He said Development Squad boss Lee Carsley had helped him a lot and he had enjoyed his time with Brentford.
Fellow Development Squad midfield player Jermaine Udumaga has been a substitute for the First Team in the Sky Bet Championship this season and Josh said he knew he would get a chance if he was good enough.
He said pre-season was an opportunity to stake his claim.
“It has been really enjoyable,” said Josh.
“Lee has been top drawer and everyone has been really helpful.
“There are ups and downs but I have really enjoyed it.
“I will have a week off but then get back to it.
“I want to be the fittest, strongest and best when I come back.
“I see pre-season as an opportunity.
“It is a good chance, I know the Club will give me a chance, I can’t wait.
“It is good that Jermaine has gone up, they believe in young players and that gives you hope.”
A full video interview with Josh Laurent is available here for Bees Player subscribers.