Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said he was “extremely proud” of his young team despite their defeat to Southend United in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
The Bees bowed out of the competition at the Southern Section Quarter Final stage as they were beaten 2-1 in Essex.
The hosts went 2-0 up in the first half with two long range efforts and although Brentford pulled one back through Pau Hayes, they could not find a way to level it up.
The Bees handed a full debut to Lee Hodson while Aaron Pierre played his first professional game and Development Squad striker Antonio German played an hour.
The Bees also played with three central defenders for the first time since August and were without Shaleum Logan, Tony Craig, Jonathan Douglas, Adam Forshaw and Clayton Donaldson, all of whom have played more than 20 games this season.
Uwe said his team played very well and it showed the strength he had in his squad.
“I was extremely proud of the team we put out today and how well we played,” said the Brentford boss, speaking after the match.
“We played an unusual formation today, because of all the injuries we had.
“Some of our players are getting better but weren’t fit enough to play in the game.
“We started the game very well, passing the ball fantastically.
“The first goal came from a deflection and the second goal; I don’t think he would score again.
“We got a goal back and had two or three really good chances in the second half.
“Overall, the players have performed very well.
“It is a testament to the form we are in.
“I always said Brentford was not about 11, 12 or 13 players.
“It is about a squad and the young lads who came in, as well as the players who have not played for a while, have done very well.”
Uwe said he thought the system – with Lee Hodson and Scott Barron as wing backs – worked well.
He said his team dominated much of the game but were give a lesson in how to shoot by Southend, who scored two goals from outside the penalty area.
He added he was pleased with the way his team kept fighting to the end to get something out of the game despite a big game against Milton Keynes Dons, who are second in npower League One, on Saturday.
“We had to play three at the back because of injuries,” explained Uwe.
“We have not really trained with it and I think it worked extremely well.
“The way Harlee Dean, Rob Kiernan and Jake Bidwell used the ball from the back, with Jake Reeves and Toumani Diagouraga in midfield, was very good.
“We kept the pitch wide, with our wing backs, and everything worked to plan.
“Even with the domination we had of the ball at the start, we didn’t create enough clear cut chances.
“We didn’t shoot enough.
“They gave us a lesson in shooting from outside the box.
“We should have used our dominance more to shoot from outside the box.
“We did that in the second half.
“I am pleased with how seriously we have taken this.
“I would have been easy at 2-0 down to just think about Saturday.
“But we didn’t, we kept going right to the end, the last seconds, to try and get an equaliser.
“The character of these players is top drawer.”
Uwe praised his young players and said they have given him extra options.
He added the performances of the youngsters were a testament to Brentford’s Academy staff.
“Aaron Pierre came on and played his first game for us,” said Uwe.
“He did nothing wrong.
“There was some great movement from Antonio German.
“He had three or four chances, that is always good for strikers.
“He didn’t take them but I am pleased that a striker is getting chances.
“This is a testament to our Academy and our Development Squad coaches.
“When we are in this situation with injuries, they have given me players that can hold their own.
“We have not lost very much quality.
“That is a testament to those people who work so hard.
“It is good to know we have options.
“It puts pressure on the established players and no-one in the squad can rest.”
A full video interview with Uwe Rösler is available here for Bees Player subscribers.