Exeter City U21s 0 Brentford B 1: Match report and reaction | OneFootball

Brentford B fought hard to secure a 1-0 victory against Exeter City Under-21s on Thursday evening, as they progressed to the next round of the Premier League Cup.

Isaac Holland scored the decisive goal on the hour mark, which ensured the young Bees progressed to the last eight of the competition.

Neil MacFarlane's side were seeking a place in the quarter-final as they took on the Grecians.

The west Londoners began the game in a confident fashion, moving the ball swiftly as they settled faster than the home side.

Brentford were the side on top in the game and should have taken the lead early on as Ethan Brierley and Max Dickov both went close to finding the back of the net.

With half an hour played, the match was even and, despite the visitors' control of possession, neither side managed to fashion any clear chances.

Julian Eyestone was called into action as he had to make an important stop to deny Tom Dean just before half-time.

Exeter were shading the second period and they created another chance, this time Andrew Oluwabori went close, shooting wide from close range.

On 60 minutes, the young Bees were beginning to bite back and a good passage of play saw a Holland cross find the head of Conor McManus, but Harry Lee in the Exeter net made a good save.

The pressure did not cease from the away side and, after Lee spilt a Brierley shot, Holland pounced and grabbed the opener.

The away side managed to see the victory out and ensure safe passage into the last eight. The result means that MacFarlane's side are one step closer to winning the competition they took home in 2023.

Brentford are next in action on Monday 17 March, as they take on Bristol City at Gtech Community Stadium in the Professional Development League.

Brentford: Eyestone, Fredrick, McManus, Stephenson, Arthur, Owen, Holland, Brierley, Dickov (Poliakov 88), Krauhaus, Williams

Unused subs: Avenell, Grey, Headman, Bentt

Booked: Dickov 40, Williams 55, Owen 89

Exeter City: Lee, Oluwabori, Dean, Billington, Beardmore, Edgecombe, James, Cummins, Oakes, Richards, Cayless

Unused subs: Phillips, Perkins, Wilson, Ohanaka, Cartwright

Booked: James 86

MacFarlane proud of Brentford's 'grit'

Brentford Under-21s head coach Neil MacFarlane praised his side for their grit and determination to win Thursday night's game against Exeter.

The win helps the young Bees into the last eight of the Premier League Cup.