Watford U21s 2 Brentford U21s 1: Match report and reaction | OneFootball

Brentford Under-21s were defeated 2-1 by Watford Under-21s away from home in the Professional Development League on Friday.

Despite going up 1-0 just after the hour mark thanks to an Iwan Morgan goal at Watford Training Ground, two goals in the final 10 minutes from the hosts handed them all three points.

In windy conditions Brentford started the better of the two sides, the visitors able to dominate the ball while connecting strongly in possession.

Despite a promising start it was Watford who had an early chance, Alistair Gould’s cross finding Emmanuel Adeyemo in the box who put his effort wide of the goal.

On 18 minutes Ethan Brierley found Romelle Donovan breaking behind the Watford backline, however the latter’s shot was kept out by Samuel Morris in goal for the hosts.

Two minutes later the young Bees were at it again. Josh Stephenson sent a great ball down the left to free up Vonnte Williams who immediately crossed the ball to Morgan in the box. Morris came out of his goal to contest the ball, however, and it was cleared for a corner.

As the half-hour mark passed Watford found the back of the net from a tap in, however were ruled offside. With the half edging closer to the break it was the hosts who looked most dangerous. Despite Brentford dominating possession, counterattacks from the young Hornets put Brentford under pressure.

As the half entered added time Donovan came close to finding the opener as he shot from the left side of the box, however it was kept out by Morris.

The second half started in an even fashion, with both sides enjoying time on the ball.

It was the visitors who found reward for effort first. Brierley played a long ball to Caelan Avenell down the right side, the defender immediately crossing to Morgan in the box who found the back of the net to hand Brentford the lead.

Zak Fraser-Grante came close to equalising for Watford three minutes later, however his effort sailed over the bar.

As conditions grew tougher, the lead was one Brentford continued to defend strongly while still enjoying time on the ball and strong attacking moves.

On 85 minutes the hosts found the equaliser they were after, a free-kick sailing to the back post before being headed towards the penalty spot, Fraser-Grante there to finish the job and make it 1-1.

As the game entered added time, another dangerous counterattack from Watford spelt danger for the visitors, Jonathan Lawson able to tuck his finish into the bottom right corner to secure the three points for the hosts.

Watford U21s: Morris, Mullins, Buers (Sikiru 25), Eames, Kamga (Trialist 70), Georgiou, Gould, Trialist (Okosun 77), Adeyemo, Fraser-Grante, Keyes (Lawson 77)

Subs not used: Thrussell

Brentford U21s: Rose, Avenell, Williams, Stephenson (Shield 70), Arthur, Owen, Dickov, Brierley, Morgan, Krauhaus (Peters 90+1), Donovan

Subs not used: Grey, Wilcox, Powis

Late game fade out costs Brentford

Sam Saunders was disappointed with Brentford Under-21s after they gave up a lead for the second time this week against Watford.

The game was the young Bees' third of the week, following on from a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Gtech Community Stadium on Monday and a 3-2 London Senior Cup semi-final win over Barking on Tuesday.