Brentford Development Squad Manager Lee Carsley said he would not be getting carried away with the win over Queens Park Rangers earlier this week but it showed his team were getting somewhere.
The Bees beat their West London rivals 2-1 in an Under-21 Professional Development League Two match on Tuesday.
Brentford went ahead when Jermaine Udumaga scored from the penalty spot in the first half and Jack Bonham saved a penalty at the end of the opening 45.
QPR, playing in to a strong wind after the break, levelled but Betinho won the game in the dying stages.
Lee, speaking to Bees Player after the match, said his team started slowly but dominated the first half and could have been further ahead.
But he said QPR were the better team after the break and a draw would have been a fair result.
“It shows we are getting somewhere,” said Lee.
“At times we were second best.
“We didn’t start well but took control and went in 1-0 up.
“I thought maybe the half time whistle came too early for us.
“We dominated the game, created chances and were struggling to get the second goal.
“We know no two halves are the same and they were a lot better than us in the second half.
“The conditions didn’t help, with the wind, but ultimately we won the game.
“The performance was OK overall; I wouldn’t get carried away with it.
“The bottom of the league beat top today but I think a draw would have been fair.
“We edged it first half but they were stronger in the second half.”
The game was affected by a strong wind.
Brentford played with it in the second half and Lee said his players actually found it easier playing in to it in the opening 45.
He said his team started slowly but kept playing their football and adjusted to the conditions.
“We found it easier playing against the wind,” said Lee.
“I play for a Sunday League team in Birmingham and I know if you get the wind everyone wants to shoot from everywhere.
“It is easier to play against it.
“When you pass it forward it doesn’t run out of play and you can judge passes easier.
“Both teams found it easier to play against it.
“We struggled to get out of our half in the first half.
“They played right up against us and, with the way we play, we wanted to pass it, we don’t want to encourage to play long but we could have turned it in behind them.
“We persevered and it paid off.
“The players just kept playing, they got to grips with the conditions, played quicker and we passed it through them.
“The belief they have in the system and having First Team players involved helps.”
Lee said Jack Bonham’s penalty save was important but QPR levelled early in the second half with a long range shot.
Lee said his team could have defended the goal better.
“It was important and just before half time,” he said.
“We were well on top of the game at that time and were unfortunate, they had a counter attack, a cross hit Jermaine.
“The rules have changed now that if it hits your hand in the penalty box the referee gives it.
“It was a good save and good to go in 1-0 up.
“We could have defended better for their goal.
“Ultimately there were two or three players involved but you always look to see how you can stop the goal.”
Brentford won the game when Marcos Tébar won the ball in QPR’s defensive area and fed Betinho, who slotted home.
“We did that two or three times in the first half,” said Lee.
“Kevin O’Connor, who was helping me today, spoke at half time about being clinical when you get the chance.
“It was good for Betinho and he finished it nicely.”
Lee said there were lots of positives, including the performance of Youth Team attacker Courtney Senior and Montell Moore.
He added the performance of Josh Clarke at right back, akin to the way Moses Odubajo has been playing at Sky Bet Championship level, was also a positive.
“I have seen that Courtney Senior is a threat,” said Lee.
“I learned Josh Clarke can play right back similar to the way Mo does for the First Team.
“Montell was a threat.
“Jermaine got a goal, which will do his confidence the world of good.
“Jack Bonham is a real prospect in goal.
“There are a lot of positives.”
Lee said winning was a good habit and the players would be pleased to have taken seven points from their last three Under-21 league games.
The Bees drew with Colchester United and beat Bristol City in recent weeks and were also playing friendly matches, one against Ashford Town (Middlesex) last week and Chelsea this week.
“It is good for them to win games,” he said.
“We got in to the habit of losing and accepting we would lose.
“We got a draw against Colchester and maybe should have won, beat Bristol City comfortably and beat QPR, who are top of the league.
“I try not to look at results but the players will and it is good for their confidence.
“I organised a game at Ashford last Friday, that gave me a chance to look at some players that haven’t been involved and some of the scholars that weren’t playing on Saturday.
“I have organised a behind-closed-doors game against Chelsea for this Friday, which will be a test.
“These are the games I want.
“We went to Ashford on Friday, a non-league ground, with non-league facilities and a terrible pitch.
“The players have to deal with that.
“Chelsea will be the other extreme, the best facilities in England.
“It is all part of their development.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Lee Carsley here.