Brentford U21s 2 Bournemouth U21s 3: Narrow defeat as Bees lose at home | OneFootball

Brentford U21s fell to a narrow 3–2 defeat against AFC Bournemouth U21s at Wheatsheaf Park in the Professional Development League on Friday afternoon. Goals from Iwan Morgan and first-team forward Romelle Donovan kept the young Bees in the contest, but they were unable to find an equaliser late on.

The match saw momentum shift between both sides throughout, reflecting a closely contested encounter against a young Cherries team who provided a consistent challenge.

The young Bees were looking to continue on from their impressive display against Watford last time out in this competition.

Bournemouth have proven to be tough opponents for the west Londoners and the away side began in confident fashion.

Donovan had two early attempts at goal which were both saved by the goalkeeper.

The away side opened the scoring against the run of play though, as a cross into the box was initially cleared by Reggie Rose but his clearance was deflected in by Mingo Dane who did not know much about the contact.

The response from Saunders' side was positive and Morgan found Grey in the box but the midfielder lifted his shot over the bar.

Despite this, the young Cherries doubled their lead through Charlie Stevens who finished from close range after a one-two with Malcolm Dacosta Gonzalez.

Michel Boni went close with a powerful header from the edge of the box following a Michael Olakigbe cross but his effort just went wide.

The deficit was halved after a well-worked move from a free-kick saw an initial shot from Donovan saved but the rebound found its way to Morgan who poked the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

Morgan two minutes after his goal was in a position to level the scores but his volley from inside the box was headed over by Alfie Merritt who was positioned well.

After the break, Donovan levelled the scores with a fantastic finish from the edge of the box.

On 78 minutes, the young Cherries took the lead again as second-half substitute Balraj Landa found the finish in the box to put his side ahead.

That was how the game would end as Bournemouth would secure the three points.

The Bees are back in action on Monday 24 November as they take on Exeter City at Wheatsheaf Park in the Premier League Cup. Tickets are available here.

Brentford: Rose, Shield, Picotto (Headman 62), Stephenson, McKnight, Owen, Olakigbe (Pierre 76), Grey, Boni, Donovan, Morgan

Unused subs: Wolfheimer, Asemokhai, Honor

Bournemouth: Dennis, Tonks (Boutin 46), Merritt, Ogunleye, William, Gonzalez, Clarke (Landa 69) , Sillis, Dane, M.Gonzalez, Stevens (Ali 90+1)

Unused subs: Dixon, Rodella

Booked: Merritt 32, Ogunleye 50