Brentford B pulled off an impressive 3-1 victory over League One side Cambridge United.

The young Bees, who were in action for the first time in pre-season, travelled to St Neots looking to build fitness and implement their work on the training pitch. In their way stood an experienced Cambridge side with the likes of Wes Hoolahan featuring in what was a strong United outfit.

The Brentford goals came from Ryan Trevitt, Joe Adams and Nathan Young-Coombes in what was an impressive and clinical display.

The Bees started bright but their opponents put them under considerable aerial pressure which lasted for much of the 90 minutes. After being forced back for a short spell they managed to get further up the pitch and begin to dictate things in the final third. The impressive Paris Maghoma, fully fit after a long term injury, was instrumental in the midfield for much of his hour of game time. The opening goal came just after the 20-minute mark when good play in midfield saw the ball find its way through to the lively Trevitt who tucked home with calmness. Despite the Cambridge protestations for offside, the goal stood.

Hoolahan looked to pull the strings as United tried to get back into the game. The experienced midfielder turned provider just a few minutes after they had fallen behind and his cross found Harvey Knibbs who headed home with past Ben Winterbottom.

The Bees didn’t let that goal set them back though as they pushed to go back in front and they were given a golden chance when Daniel Oyegoke’s shot was blocked by the hand of Joe Ironside. Adams then stepped up to coolly convert from the spot to make it 2-1.

The third goal came eight minutes before the break for Brentford, and it came in fantastic fashion. Neat interplay between the front line saw the ball squared into the path of Young-Coombes who slotted away with expert precision. The youngster, who joined the Club in the summer, got his first taste of game time since December 2020 and the smile on his face as he punched the air in celebration showed his delight.

Changes followed at the break for both sides with the likes of Dom Jefferies, Alex Gilbert and Nathan Shepperd all introduced. The game didn’t quite have the rhythm in the second period as United saw lots of the ball without really hurting The Bees.

Gilbert was instrumental in holding onto the ball for the side as he looked to spring attacks for the on rushing attackers. With the likes of Wraynel Hercules introduced on the right-hand side, he continued to carry a threat.

Shepperd was called into action later in the game as he stopped a Harrison Dunk powerful drive, as Brentford held on to a very positive start to their 2021/22 campaign.

Brentford XI: Winterbottom (Shepperd, 45), Oyegoke (Crama, 71) Trialist (Gilbert, 45), Trialist (Trialist, 71), Trialist (Trialist, 71) Trialist (Trevitt, 71), Maghoma (Trialist, 60), Trevitt (Jefferies, 45), Brook (Trialist, 60), Young-Coombes (Hercules, 60), Adams (Trialist, 73)

Cambridge United: Mitov, Williams, Jones, Taylor, Iredale, Knibbs, Hoolahan, Brophy, O'Neil, May, Ironside
Subs: Chadwick, Bennett, Dunk, Tracey, Dallas, Smith, Worman, Digby, Weir, Jobe