Brentford U21s 1 Sheffield United U21s 3: Laidlaw on target in young Bees' loss | OneFootball

Brentford Under-21s fell to a 3-1 defeat against Sheffield United Under-21s in Professional Development League action on Sunday.

In warm conditions at Wheatsheaf Park the visitors found themselves 2-0 up early in the second half. Despite a goal from Ethan Laidlaw for the hosts, it wasn't enough as the young Blades took home all three points with an added time goal.

Sam Saunders made a number of changes to his starting group that drew 1-1 with Hull City last time out in the league, with first team players Julian Eyestone, Yunus Konak and Romelle Donovan each coming into the squad. Laidlaw, who scored off the bench against Hull, also came into the starting line-up.

While the ball was camped in Brentford’s half across the opening five minutes, the young Bees remained calm on the ball and rode the early pressure from the visitors.

They came close to finding reward for their effort on seven minutes as Michael Olakigbe put a superb cross into the box from the left side, however Chanse Headman’s header sailed right of the goal and out of play.

Sheffield United returned fire soon after and forced Eyestone to make a strong save in goal for Brentford. A high ball on the edge of the young Bees’ box fell nicely to Jevan Beattie who struck it on the half-volley, Eyestone able to tip the ball away from danger diving to his right.

Iwan Morgan found himself in the action on 15 minutes. The forward pushed past two young Blades defenders at the top of the box and fired at goal, however Luke Faxon did well to secure the ball at his feet in goal for the visitors.

The stranglehold was broken on 21 minutes as Beattie put the visitors ahead. Christian Nwachukwu’s cross from the left was interrupted inside the box, however Beattie was there to smash it home from close range.

Sheffield United came close to adding a second 10 minutes later as they found themselves one-on-one with Eyestone, however Ollie Shield’s slide tackle from behind saved the day to keep the score at 1-0.

Beattie was at it again soon after as he found himself with a look on goal from the left side of the box, but Eyestone matched the effort with a superb save moving to his left to keep the ball out for a corner.

As the game inched closer to half-time it was Beattie again proving a hassle, this time his bicycle kick attempt sailing just over the bar.

On the brink of half-time it was Sam Aston putting pressure on Eyestone as he fired at goal from outside the box, the Brentford goalkeeper doing well to secure to ball at his feet.

Out of the break it was Sheffield United who started the better of the two sides, the young Blades doubling their lead inside two minutes. A cut-back found Beattie close to goal, the striker making no mistake from close range.

Aston had a chance to make it three for the visitors soon after as the ball came to him near the penalty spot, but his effort sailed over the bar.

Hungry to wrestle back momentum, Saunders’ side enjoyed a positive five minutes with multiple counterattacks, none able to be finished off with a goal.

As the hour-mark approached, Eyestone was called into action twice, making two clutch saves. Marshall Francis won the ball back for the visitors deep in Brentford’s half, earning a one-on-one chance with Eyestone. The Brentford goalkeeper stepped towards him positively and made a superb save.

Soon after Nwachukwu had a look on goal from the left side of the box, Eyestone again able to keep the ball out to keep the game at 2-0.

The young Bees continued to press as they eyed a first goal. Morgan had a shot from outside the box blocked, as did Olakigbe minutes later as he fired a powerful strike goalward.

Substitute Michel Boni had an impact immediately after coming on as the Under-18 forward was taken down inside the box, however no penalty was awarded.

Entering the final 10 minutes of the game Laidlaw refused to quit, the forward taking possession on the left side of the box and tucking home a superb finish into the bottom right corner to pull one back for the hosts.

The momentum remained with the young Bees as they eyed an equaliser late on. Despite the momentum, the visitors came close to finishing the game on the counterattack, however Eyestone made another clutch save.

With over 15 minutes of added time, Brentford had chances to find an equaliser as they carried the momentum into the latter stages of the game.

Despite their efforts, it was Sheffield United who pounced on a late chance, Francis able to work his way past the Brentford defence and tuck home a nice finish.

Brentford U21s: Eyestone, Shield (Asemokhai 90+7), Stephenson, Avenell, Headman, Konak (Bentt HT), Donovan (Boni 62), Owen, Morgan, Laidlaw, Olakigbe (Mawene 75)

Subs not used: Wolfheimer

Booked: Boni 90+14

Sheffield United U21s: Faxon, Polendakov, Waldron, Baptiste, Sasnauskas, Easton (Asante-Boakye 78), Francis, Aston (Giggs 76), Beattie, Hampson, Nwachukwu (Atherton 68)

Subs not used: Grainger, Okyere

Booked: Beattie 17, Aston 28

Sam Saunders reflects on Sheffield United loss

Sam Saunders dissected Brentford Under-21s first league loss of the season following their 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United.

"There was some good bits and there was some not so good bits ... the character can never be questioned with the lads, they kept going, kept fighting at 2-0 down," he said.

"Brilliant goal from Ethan (Laidlaw) that was thoroughly deserved with his work ethic that he gave on the day.

"I really liked the Under-18 boys that came on, Luka (Bentt) and Michel (Boni), they gave us energy, they gave us enthusiasm, they were front footed ... and that's a minimum requirement in this football club.

"It's disappointing because obviously you never like losing football games, but it's opportunities to learn and we keep pushing forward."