Brentford U21s 3 Charlton Athletic U21s 2 | OneFootball

Brentford Under-21s secured a 3-2 hard-fought victory against London rivals Charlton Athletic in their first game of 2025.

In front of the fans at Wheatsheaf Park, despite going 1-0 down early on, goals from Tony Yogane and a brace from Ethan Brierley were enough to give the young Bees three points.

Neil MacFarlane’s side were looking to continue the form that saw them end the calendar year with four consecutive wins in the PDL.

Charlton themselves were on a three-game winning 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 Addicks' goal came through Harry Kedwell as his driven shot from outside the box found the top corner of the net.

Rose was required again when Keheim Dixson's sharp turn and shot was destined for the bottom corner, but the Brentford goalkeeper clawed away.

The closest the west Londoners came to scoring was from a free-kick taken by Brierley as he tried to catch the keeper out, but Lennon Maclorg parried away.

Brentford 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. And 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 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 extended their winning streak in the league to five matches, as they rose to top spot in the Professional Development League.

The three points mean that Brentford go above Charlton in the table, with a game still in hand over the Addicks.

Brentford U21s are next in action on Tuesday 14 January as they take on Cardiff City away from home.

Brentford U21s: Rose, Holland (Avenell 85), Stephenson, Arthur (McManus 85), Yogane, Brierley (c) (Booth 85), Lisbie, Owen, Morgan (Laidlaw 85), Meghoma, Konak

Subs not used: Williams

Charlton U21s: Mallory, Hobden (c), Enslin, Kedwell, Mitchell, Toure, Rylah, Taylor (Casey 62), Dixson, Edun (Wales 71), Kanu (Huke 62).

Subs not used: Fullah, Woodham

MacFarlane pleased with tough win

Brentford Under-21s head coach Neil MacFarlane was rapt with his side's performance following their 3-2 win over Charlton Athletic.

The victory puts the young Bees to the top of the league table ahead of a key clash with Cardiff City next time out.