Yahoo Sports Brentford U21s 3 Charlton Athletic U21s 2
Brentford Under-21s fought hard for victory as they secured a 3-1 victory against London rivals Charlton Athletic in their first game of 2025.
In front of the fans at Wheatsheaf Park, despite going one nil down early on, goals from Tony Yogane and a brace from Ethan Brierley were enough to give Brentford the hard-fought three points.
Neil MacFarlane’s side were looking to continue the form that saw them end the year with four consecutive wins in the PDL.
Charlton themselves were on a three-game win streak, so the match was nicely poised.
The away side began the better of the two sides and Reggie Rose had to make a good reaction save with his left boot to deny Tayo Eden’s shot from inside the penalty area.
The goal came through Harry Kedwell as his driven shot from outside the box found the top corner of the net.
Rose was required again was Keheim Dixson shaper turn and shot was destined for the bottom corner but the Brentford goalkeeper clawed away.
The closest Brentford came to scoring was from a free kick taken by Brierley as he tried to catch the goalkeeper out but Lennon Maclorg parried away.
The boys were having the better of the first period as it was drawing to a close and a good team move saw Holland deliver a fine cross which found the onrushing Yogane who tapped into the net.
10 minutes into the second period, Morgan picked up a loose ball in midfield and fed Brierley who stayed composed and finished from close range.
Four minutes later, Kyreece Lisbie was fouled in the penalty box by the Charlton goalkeeper as the forward got to the ball first.
Brierley grabbed his brace making no mistake from 12 yards.
Brierley could have scored his third with a shot from just outside the box but Lennon Maclorg made a good stop to tip his effort wide.
Morgan should have scored Brentford’s fourth but he dragged his shot from just inside the box wide.
Stephenson who was having a great game, made a sensational block to deny Ryan Huke who looked destined to score from four yards out.
The away side did pull a goal back through second-half substitute Pat Casey but Brentford would hold out for the win.
The young Bees extend their winning streak in the league to five matches as they rise to top spot in the Professional Development League.
The three points means that Brentford rise above Charlton in the table with a game still in hand over the Addicks.
The young Bees are next in action on Tuesday 14 January as they take on Cardiff CIty away from home.
Brentford: Rose, Holland (Avenell 85), Stephenson, Arthur (McManus 85), Yogane, Brierley (c) (Booth 85), Lisbie, Owen, Morgan (Laidlaw 85), Meghoma, Konak
Unused subs: Williams.
Charlton Athletic: Mallory, Hobden (c), Enslin, Kedwell, Mitchell, Toure, Rylah, Taylor (Casey 62), Dixson, Edun (Wales 71), Kanu (Huke 62).
Unused subs: Fullah, Woodham
Booked: Hobden 90
