Emmanuel Oyeleke said Brentford’s Development Squad showed their character by coming from 2-0 down to beat Charlton Athletic yesterday.
The Bees trailed 2-0 just before half time but Farid El Alagui, on his return from injury, pulled one back and then Josh Rees scored twice to complete the turnaround.
Emmanuel, known as Manny, scored the fourth to seal a 4-2 win in the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South match.
It is the second time The Bees have come from 2-0 down to win 4-2 after doing so against Queens Park Rangers in October.
Manny, speaking to Bees Player after the match, said Brentford did not play well in the first half but showed what they could do after the break.
The teams matched up with diamond midfield systems and Manny said Brentford came out after half time to try and win their personal battles and it was enough to win the game.
“It showed the character of the team,” said Manny.
“We did not have the best half in the first half, they were all over us.
“We could have been three or four down.
“We got a goal at the end of the first half and showed what we are about in the second half.
“We did it against QPR away and have done it away today.
“We went in to half time knowing we were better than how we had played.
“We had not worked hard enough; we knew the Charlton players were not better than us.
“Jon [De Souza, Development Squad Manager,] told us to stay man for man and see if you are better than the man you are playing against.
“That motivated us to show we are better.
“The goal just before half time gave us a massive lift.
“We knew the next goal was vital, we came out firing and scored early.
“We looked to play too narrow in the first half, that was Charlton’s strength; they had a lot of bodies in there.
“We tried to switch it after the break, that probably got us the win.
“We used our full backs and wide players.”
Manny said he knew Brentford had the initiative as soon as the second half started.
After Josh Rees had scored twice, he sealed the game with a fine fourth goal.
Luke Norris, Leon Redwood, Jake Reeves and Lee Hodson were all involved before Josh Rees cut back for Manny to first home.
“As a player you know when you are playing well and when you will get a goal,” said the midfield player.
“Right from the start of the second half, we chased down the ball and I knew we would get something.
“The move for the fourth goal was great.
“It was a great pull back from Josh; he had a great game, scored two and set up one.
“It was a good team goal.
“I am trying to add goals to my game.
“Goals win games.”
Manny spent a month on loan at Northampton Town earlier in 2013 and said it was a good experience.
He made two appearances for The Cobblers in npower League Two and said he learned a lot.
“It was good,” he said.
“It made me appreciate Brentford a lot more.
“I played with players who have been playing in the Football League for years and was around experience First Team players.
“It was a good experience.
“It taught me a lot.
“I know I need to work hard to obtain my objectives.
“There are a lot of players in League Two working hard to get to League One, where I am.”
Manny has come back to Brentford and found two teams flying high and challenging for honours.
The First Team are second in npower League One while the Development Squad are third in the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South table after the win.
They are a point behind Charlton and one behind Cardiff City with a game in hand on the Welsh side.
The Bees play Queens Park Rangers, who are fourth in the table, in their next game next Monday and the top two at the end of the season will go in to the Play-Offs against the teams from the northern league to decide the Under-21 Professional League Two winners.
“It’s good to be in teams that are doing well,” said Manny, who is on a Development Squad contract at Griffin Park but has been given a First Team squad number.
“Everyone is buzzing around the place.
“The energy bounces off everybody.
“Everyone is excited.
“The Development Squad might finish in the top two and the First Team could get promoted.
“It is a good time to be a Brentford player.
“We, in the Development Squad, know our ability.
“We have an abundance of quality and don’t fear anybody.
“We have a bit of arrogance and know whoever we play we will win.
“Next week is a local derby; there is always a rivalry between the teams.
“When I was young and at QPR there was a rivalry when we played Brentford.
“It doesn’t matter what the age is.
“We are all looking forward to it, we want to win the league and these are the games you have to win.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Emmanuel Oyeleke here.