Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:02 am
Development Squad: Brentford 3 Cardiff City 2
Tues 22nd Dec 2015
Author: Mark Chapman
Three points for Kevin O'Connor's side at Jersey Road.
Brentford recorded a last gasp victory over Cardiff City courtesy of a penalty kick from Herson Rodrigues Alves. The forward powered home the spot kick to give The Bees all three points after The Bluebirds captain Tom James handballed Tom Field’s cross.
It was no less than Brentford deserved despite being twice pegged back by the visitors due to sloppy defending. Kevin O’Connor fielded three First Team squad members – Yoann Barbet, Jack O’Connell and Lewis Macleod – with Jan Holldack as captain.
Brentford took the lead after only six minutes played. A pass from Macloed split the defence and Courtney Senior provided Holldack with a simple tap in. Cardiff hit back with snap shot from Jamie Bird in the 12th minute but the chance came to nothing.
Field’s long range shot with five minutes of the half remaining sailed over the bar and the two teams went in level at the break. After the break, Senior was withdrawn as a precaution due to injury and replaced by Kyjoun Marsh-Brown.
Cardiff City began to crank up the pressure and levelled things up in the 62nd minute due to a defensive mix-up, Eli Phipps scoring from close range. Brentford retained the lead ten minutes later, Reece Cole’s corner kick was placed perfectly for O’Connell to head home past Cardiff City goalkeeper Luke Wakeman’s top right hand corner.
The Bluebirds hit back to make the score 2-2 in the 82nd minute, substitute Tyler Roche lofting the ball over Tzanev on the edge of the Brentford penalty area through a forest of players. Just as the game seemed to be petering out for a draw, James’ mistake in the box let Alves claim all three points.
Brentford’s next Development Squad game is away to Charlton Athletic in the U21 Premier League Cup on 6 January 2016.
Brentford: Nik Tzanev, Audrius Laucys, Tom Field, Reece Cole, Jack O’Connell, Yoann Barbet, Courtney Senior (sub Kyjuon Marsh-Brown 46 mins), Lewis Macleod (sub Josh Bohui 77 mins), Herson Rodrigues Alves, Bradley Clayton, Jan Holldack (sub Daniel O’Shuaghnessy 83 mins)
Subs (not used): Gradi Milenge, Danny Parish
Cardiff City: Luke Wakeman; Jordan Blaise, Dylan Rees, Jamie Veale, Curtis Watkins, Tom James, Macauley Southam, Marco Weymans (sub Rhys Abbruzzese 74 mins), Eli Phipps, Jamie Bird (sub Tyler Roche 71 mins), Abdi Noor (sub Lloyd Humphries 57 mins)
Subs (not used): Ashley Bauer, Scott Coughlan