Brentford B 1 Wimbledon 2: Encouraging signs as Saunders' side are narrowly edged out | OneFootball

Brentford B continued their preparations for the new campaign with a competitive pre-season outing, as they were edged out 2-1 by AFC Wimbledon at the Robert Rowan Performance Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Michael Boni netted early in the second half to put Sam Saunders' side in front but two late goals saw the visitors claim victory.

Boni had the first chance of the game as he went close with a left-footed strike which fell just went wide.

The first period saw both sides settle into spells of possession without creating any clear-cut chances.

Luka Bentt had a strong header which was saved by the Wimbledon goalkeeper but the sides went in level at the break.

Reggie Rose was called into action early in the second as he made a great save to deny the away side.

Saunders’ side broke the deadlock when Boni sparked a fine team move, culminating in a superb cross from Trialist A that Boni expertly finished to give the Bees the lead.

The away side had a good chance to equalise when a drilled cross found Antwoine Hackford, but with the goal gaping he headed over.

Wimbledon created a series of chances, starting with their winger’s goalbound effort that was blocked by Chanse Headman. Moments later, another winger saw his shot crash against the crossbar.

With five minutes remaining, the Dons equalised as a long throw from the keeper found Omar Bugiel, who lobbed Connor Wolfheimer to level the scores. A second was scored quickly after that as Junior Nkeng slotted home from close range.

That was how the game would end as a narrow defeat was confirmed despite promising signs.

The B team are next in action on Sunday 10 August when they will take on an unnamed opponent in their final pre-season game before a home clash against Hull City to begin the 2025/26 Professional Development League campaign.

Brentford: Rose (Wolfheimer 62), Trialist A (Bobb-Semple 75), Trialist B (Giscombe 85), Headman, Avenell (Asemokhai 62), Owen (Trialist F 75), Shield, Trialist C (Ouattara 75), Boni (Trialist E 62), Bentt (Zetter-Plummer 85), Olakigbe (Trialist D 62)

Unused subs: Cohalan