Brentford U21s 2 Swansea City U21s 2: Laidlaw and Donovan strike as Bees win PDL title at Gtech Community Stadium | OneFootball

Brentford Under-21s were crowned Professional Development League winners on Sunday afternoon as they drew 2-2 in their final league game of the season against Swansea City Under-21s at Gtech Community Stadium.

Under the sunshine, the young Bees took the lead thanks to Ethan Laidlaw. After conceding early in the second half, they responded when Romelle Donovan levelled with a well-taken free-kick. Julian Eyestone also featured in the game.

The west Londoners made a superb start, taking the lead with their very first attempt on goal. A cleverly rehearsed corner routine paid off as Laidlaw slipped in behind a crowd of players and finished from close range, the ball taking a slight deflection on its way in.

Despite the early pressure from the home side, the young Swans equalised on eight minutes as a fast counter saw Thomas Searle find the onrushing Morgan Bates who swept the ball into the corner of the net past Julian Eyestone.

The home side remained the team in charge and Donovan was finding joy on the right side of the pitch. The winger went close with a fierce shot which only just went wide of the post.

Laidlaw looked certain to grab his second of the game as he surged towards goal but a last-ditch tackle from Searle prevented his brace.

Donovan had another effort at goal this time from close range but Milo Robinson was positioned well to deflect the shot over the bar.

The Swans took the lead early in the second period as Bates grabbed his second of the game, directing a towering header from a corner beyond the reach of Eyestone.

It did not take long for the home side to even the scoreline as Donovan struck a fantastic free-kick on the edge of the box past Joseph Collins in the Swansea net.

The winger could have grabbed his second soon after as his mazy run resulted in a firm shot which was saved well by the feet of Collins.

There was huge pressure being sustained by the Bees on the Swansea goal as Andre Grey smashed a shot against post.

Josh Stephenson was next to miss a chance as he miscued a header when unmarked in the box following a great delivery from Donovan.

Laidlaw also went close but he failed to make contact from a cross into the box.

The game would end in a draw but that point was enough to secure the PDL title for the Bees.

Brentford will now look ahead to the PDL playoffs as they look to retain their title and be crowned PDL champions.

Saunders' side will return to Gtech Community Stadium on Monday 18 May as they take on Paris Saint Germain in the Robert Rowan Invitational.

Brentford U21s: Eyestone, Wheeler-Henry, McManus, Stephenson (Picotto 90+11), Avenell, Owen, Shield, Bentt, Boni, Donovan (Grey 76), Laidlaw

Subs not used: Tavaziva, Pierre, Mawene

Booked: Avenell 64

Swansea City U21s: Collins, Searle, Ifans (Deacon 62), Robinson, McKenzie, Jones, Pescatore, Griffith, Bates, Perry (Clarke 78), Merlin (Demery 86)

Subs not used: Nowak, Kallicharan

Booked: Ifans 41, Robinson 62, Merlin 75

Saunders: I am really proud of this group

Brentford Under-21s head coach Sam Saunders spoke proudly on his side's achievement in winning the PDL title following the 2-2 draw against Swansea City Under-21s at Gtech Community Stadium.

"I am really proud of the group, I set a challenge at the beginning of the season and the fact that all those months ago we have been able to maintain our standard and win the league is massive. No club is successful by individuals and the fact that they got to do it in front of their friends and family is so good."

"Their families have sacrificed so much across their football careers so it is good for them to be a part of this too as they have played massive roles."

"To lead a team, you have to be adaptable and change things over the course of the season but it is a whole group effort."